Did someone say old school extreme music? Then here come these German sons of Satan with a truly true noise! Cruel Force, having just released their first full-length, greets us with nine deadly, blasphemous tracks—including a chilling cover of Bathory’s "Necromancy"! Wondering who these guys drew inspiration from? The answer is clear: their music is rooted in the satanic early ’80s Heavy Metal style of Mercyful Fate, blended with Black/Speed/Thrash metal patterns influenced by Nifelheim, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, Venom, Sodom, and Piledriver.
Released on LP, CD, and cassette, the album showcases riffs, solos, and drum work steeped in Hellhammer and classic Blackened Heavy Rock vibes. Fun fact: their guitarist is also from Teutonic Slaughter and Nocturnal—enough pedigree to expect nothing less than solid output.
The production loudly screams the band’s desire to stay true to old-school aesthetics. Vocally, Tom Gabriel channels the reverberating style of Hellhammer and early Celtic Frost, evoking memories of “Satanic Rites” in your mind. Meanwhile, the Hellhammer-influenced guitar solos cling tightly to each track, combined with growling heavy-death vocals and aggressive Speed metal riffs. It’s like these guys lost their minds and want to drag you into their chaos. From drum tones to rhythmic foundations, everything sounds like it was baked in the ’80s and resurrected today.
Highlighting a few tracks: Although not the fastest, “Satanic Might” delivers some of the album’s best riffs. “Forces of Hades” grabs you right from the intro with its razor-sharp solos. Their Bathory tribute, “Necromancy,” feels like what Tom and Martin might have cooked up if they’d sat down in ’85 to jam Bathory material. Another nod to Hellhammer’s slow, dark compositions comes in the closer, “March for the Pentagram,” which features some bursts of speed but is mostly shaped by a chilling riff. The long, echoing solo towards the end perfectly complements the closing mood.
The album doesn’t fall into monotony, either. To keep it short—if your veins run black and speed metal from the ’80s, The Rise Of Satanic Might is a must-try.
Tracklist:
Witches Curse
Satanic Might
Forces Of Hades
Leather And Metal
Necromancy (Bathory Cover)
Deathstrike
Victim Of Hellfire
Queen Of Heresy
March For The Pentagram