Enforced, the Virginia-based crossover thrash band, unleashed their latest audio assault with War Remains, following their acclaimed 2021 album, Kill Grid. Released in April via Century Media Records, this new offering promises a relentless barrage of aggression. Fronted by vocalist Knox Colby and fueled by the guitar onslaught of Will Wagstaff and Zach Monahan, Enforced proves to be a force in the modern thrash scene.
War Remains delves into a scathing critique of the contemporary world, with Colby expressing the band's perspective on humanity's violent and chaotic nature. The cyclical themes that permeate the album reflect upon the societal blight, hitting listeners like a hammer on a raw nerve. Producer Ricky Olson and mixing wizard Arthur Rizk (known for their work with Power Trip and Kreator) join forces to capture the album's intensity with precision.
From the opening track, "Aggressive Menace," it becomes clear that War Remains is an unapologetically furious record. Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, it's a non-stop, no-frills, and indiscriminate assault on the senses. The sonic landscape created by the band is one that invites circle pits, headbanging, and mayhem, making it clear that this album is not for the faint of heart.
The production, courtesy of Ricky Olson, strikes a perfect balance between a raw, gritty sound and a terrifying precision that keeps the listener on the edge. War Remains may be shorter than its predecessor, but its impact is undeniably potent. Each track, whether it's the warp-speed riffs of "Aggressive Menace" or the pit-inducing chug breakdown in "Hanged By My Hand," is meticulously crafted for maximum impact.
Enforced doesn't waste a single moment on filler; every second is dedicated to delivering face-melting thrash that harks back to the genre's raw roots. The album's standout tracks, from the start-and-stop riffage of "Avarice" to the punk-infused grooves of "Nation of Fear," showcase the band's ability to distill thrash down to its purest and most potent form. The title track, "War Remains," stands out as the crown jewel, a modern thrash masterpiece that encompasses everything a fan of aggressive music could desire.
War Remains unquestionably maintains Enforced's reputation for delivering top-tier crossover thrash. The shorter track times on this album contribute to its blitzkrieg approach, offering a relentless onslaught that leaves listeners breathless. In the grand scheme of things, Enforced's latest effort solidifies their position as torchbearers of the crossover thrash genre, providing a shot of pure adrenaline that leaves many of their contemporaries in the dust. In a musical landscape cluttered with mediocrity, War Remains stands tall as a testament to the unbridled ferocity that defines Enforced's sound.
Enforced's "War Remains" is available on vinyl and other formats through their label Century Media. Check it out here.
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