CRUEL FORCE – Haneda LP (BLUE)

Truest of the true, Germany’s CRUEL FORCE burst onto the scene in 2008 with theInto the Crypts…demo. While many have tried to emulate the ancient German (black)thrash sound, CRUEL FORCE brimmed with an authenticity that could not be denied, as well as songwriting that added to that noble tradition rather than lazily picking at its corpse. Their two successive albums, 2010’sThe Rise of Satanic Mightand 2011’sUnder the Sign of the Moon, made CRUEL FORCE a certifiably CULT name in the international metal underground. Sadly, the band fell into a hiatus following that second album, but returned reinvigorated with the comeback 7″ EPAcross the Styxin 2022 and, a year later, the glorious full-lengthDawn of the Axeat the hands of new label home SHADOW KINGDOM.

Continuing to make up for lost time, CRUEL FORCE storm back with swords gleaming high on their fourth full-length,Haneda. Where a line could be drawn between the band’s “first era” ofThe Rise of Satanic Might/Under the Sign of the Moon, so continues this Second Era that began withDawn of the Axe– one thatharkens to the “Jurassic period” of heavy metal, when everything was rawer, less polished, and more energetic and powerful. As displayed by that pivotal predecessor,Hanedafurther proves that CRUEL FORCE are more so an old-stylespeed metalband, largely bereft of that blackened edge during their First Era. The tradeoff is that there’s a prominent mysticism coursing through that speed, and the blue-collared aspect ofDawn of the Axeis now spit-shined to a lethal slickness that makesHanedahit that much harder.

However, it must be stressed that, while it follows logically fromDawn of the Axe,Hanedais very much its own headspace, its own continuation of a still-vital aesthetic. At times more epic, exuding both more and different atmospheres, CRUEL FORCE here take the listener on a journey from old temples to desert planes, from deep jungles to mountain tops, and other mysterious locales beyond; indeed, the whole record is like a journey through mystical realms. Although no concept album,Hanedais very conceptual in its aesthetics, even down to its production: BIG and natural-toned, from the guitars to especially the drums, everything here is as ’80s and authentic as possible, underlining those days when it was imperative to have a massive-sounding record.

“To us, it often feels like what Rainbow / Dio would have sounded if they’d played speed metal!” state the band, and with its neoclassical moments plus tasteful references to Eastern European metal,Hanedalocates that unique melting-pot of the thrashing rage of classic Kreator, Deathrow, Razor, Piledriver, and Powerlord meeting the grandeur of equally-classic Rainbow, Iron Maiden, and Virgin Steele. Again, this is AUTHENTIC as it gets!

With whips a-swinging, the warlords of CRUEL FORCE wield the Sword of Iron and await the Titan’s awakening. Dare you venture intoHanedaand disturb the Savage Gods on the way to the Crystal Skull?

Limited edition AQUA BLUE vinyl – SHADOW KINGDOM RECORDS 2026