Band:	Enforcer
Album:	Into The Night
Style:	Heavy metal, Speed metal
Release date:	November 18, 2008
Guest review by:	Cynic Metalhead

01. Black Angel
02. Mistress From Hell
03. Into The Night
04. Speed Queen
05. On The Loose
06. City Lights
07. Scream Of The Savage
08. Curse The Light
09. Evil Attacker

Enforcer couldn't have picked a better moment to burst onto the scene. Fifteen years ago, heavy metal was rebooted for a revival, with the emergence of what we now recognize as the throwback bands. Enter Enforcer, who tame the blistering energy of early Iron Maiden, Angel Witch, and Satan, and strip away the hard rock or balladry to crank it up even more. Enforcer's debut album Into The Night stands out by sticking to its guns—it’s unapologetically a meat-and-potatoes speed metal opus. But here’s the kicker: this particular dish comes seasoned with just enough extra spice to leave a fiery impression.

To start with, “On The Loose” is a fast-paced jiving track with an infectious rhythm that balances speed and melody, featuring rich vocal lines with tuneful charm and a masterfully designed lead section. This centerpiece blends rhythmic gaiety, near-classical guitar interplay, and fluid bass fills into a dynamic and memorable experience. In stark contrast, many of the album’s other tracks take strong precedence, throwing riffs at the listener with unprecedented haste, along with pounding repetitive choruses that require endurance due to Olof Wikstrand’s piercing, abrupt vocals. An exception is the instrumental “City Lights”, which at nearly six minutes foreshadows Enforcer’s penchant for expansive instrumentals; alongside “On The Loose”, it highlights the band’s knack for crafting high-energy rhythms and compelling atmosphere without leaning into discordance. The production strikes a fine balance: polished enough to grasp the melodies, yet raw enough to let the riffs shimmer with high-pitched vocals. It’s truly the perfect formula.

What Enforcer lacks in originality, they make up for with raw talent, and an undeniable ability to build infectious melodies. All that’s missing is the songwriting nous that would raise Enforcer from having the status of redoing what was done well before, to building something of their own that’s not only unique but immaculate. Take “Speed Queen”, for example; its structure doesn’t break new ground, but it contributes to the band’s solid foundation. Their talent is conspicuous, even if the more advanced aspects of their skillset aren’t fully exhibited. With that said, the album offers no shortage of memorable tracks, like the title track, which is a clear standout, featuring seamless transitions between sections and a chorus that I always sing. Opener “Black Angel” sets the tone with loud basslines and dynamic guitar interplay, laying down a powerful foundation for the band’s identity. Meanwhile, the subdued intensity of “On The Loose” highlights the band’s versatility, with its weighty instrumentation carrying through into the ruthless energy of “Scream of the Savage.”

Enforcer may not yet be rewriting the playbook, but they’re building something undeniably compelling—and at times, it’s brilliant. If you’re simply looking to revel in a high-octane heavy metal experience, Into The Night delivers the goods with its short, sharp, and aggressive version of classic speed metal. It’s an album that doesn’t waste time and hits hard, channeling the spirit of the genre’s golden age. It may be best described as a grower; the style itself is consistent and vibrant, grabbing your attention right away and offering immediate gratification for any metalhead, but its staying power takes a little longer to kick in, making it less likely to demand constant revisits. Yet, judging it within its context, Into The Night would have been a storming revelation had I been immersed in heavy metal back in 2008. For fans of the speed metal, this is still an essential listen, capturing the energy and essence that would later be expanded upon in subsequent releases. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it’s a thrilling ride for those looking to paint the town red with riffs and adrenaline.