12 tracks inspired by horror movies are what Danish Force Of Evil delivers with this album, their second in a row of hopefully many. This isn’t just your average band, the band consists of Michael Denner, Hank Shermann, Hal Patino and Bjarne T. Holm, all of them should be known by the average metal fan, for being a part of either Mercyful Fate, King Diamond or both. The vocalist in the band is Martin Steene from Iron Fire, which should ring a small bell too.

The style is straight forward heavy metal, with some very catchy tunes with a great display of technique. The 4 men behind the instruments are all masters of their trade and that is really shown on this record. Big fat and powerful guitar riffs, ear ripping leads. The bass is punishing and is a big part of the dark atmosphere on the album. The drums indicate the coming of doom and Bjarne really shows his class on this record, with some splendid fills and breaks.

The voice of Steene is very impressing, big and powerful and often it does make it shiver down ones back. The power behind his voice is amazing and he gives a lot to the atmosphere, with his diverse performance. Once in a while he does cross the line and tries to sound like King Diamond. He can’t quite hit his heights, but he does it good.

Composition wise the album is very good and diverse. A great display of dark heavy metal with lots of weight, and a great horror atmosphere at times. The production on the album is very good too. A clear but powerful sound with emphasis on getting the music out of the speakers. There are plenty of room for each instrument and that is a pleasure, when the musicianship is as good as on this album.

One of the first things that hit ones mind, when listening to this album the first time. Is the resemblance with King Diamond and Mercyful Fate, which is kind of natural considering where the musicians come from. Martin Steene’s vocal does at times try hit the same registers as King Diamond has made his brand. But as the time goes and one listens more and more to the album, then one realizes that Force Of Evil has more to offer, than being a pure King Diamind or Mercyful Fate clone. The compositions stand out as very powerful and diverse. The musicianship is on the top and the vocals are magnificent. The same can be said about the atmosphere on the album, the horror theme is hit and performed very well. This is a very recommendable heavy metal album and it will stay as one of the highlights of this year.

[This review was first published on the now defunct scandinavianmetal.info webzine]