| Musical Style: Heavy Metal | Produced By: Jorg Uken |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: Netherlands |
| Year Released: 2018 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 3 | Rating: No Quote |
| Running Time: 14:19 |
Performing what it refers to as ‘heavy metal from the north of the Netherlands’ (as notes in its press material), is four piece Angelic Forces and its self-titled debut 3-song EP from the spring of 2018. Not to be confused with Angelic Force, the New Mexico based Christian metal band that had its late eighties custom cassette Soldiers Of The Cross re-issued on Roxx Records in early 2018, Angelic Forces delivers as advertised: ‘old school’ traditional heavy metal that draws upon the influences of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.
The groups origin traces to founding members bassist Wilco van der Meij and lead vocalist and guitarist Harold de Vries (both previously of Methusalem), whom initially recruited drummer Rudie Kingma. With guitarist Maurice Gijsman later rounding out its lineup, the newly formed quartet began work in the spring of 2016 on the material that would form the basis to said debut EP.
Opening cut “Thunder And Lightning” best aligns with the group’s traditional metal bearings, as four and a half minutes of galloping Maiden-esque riffs to feature van der Meji’s imposing bass underpinnings and the earthy, middle-register vocals of de Vries. Catchy chorus realizes the Angelic Forces goal to bring the message of Christ via heavy metal: ‘Thunder and lightning, we hold tight to the power of His might’. Harmonies and melodies carry things instrumentally, although the repeated chanting of ‘Metal! Metal! Metal!’ in lead up is a bit overdone.
“Never Fade” delivers a classic metal-based sound for fans of Judas Priest and Saint. This one is decidedly heavier in comparison to “Thunder And Lightning”, with rhythm guitars cemented to the front of the mix and de Vries imparting the gutsy scene with some high-pitched Halford-like screams, particularly for the unflagging refrain driven by shouted gang style backing vocals. Instrumentally, Gijsman joins with de Vries for a blistering dual lead guitar run.
Albums spiritual warfare based title track spotlights a darker vibe reminiscent to Silence is Madness era Bride. Angelic Forces otherwise touches upon a light progressiveness, with a minute and a half instrumental opening that runs the gamut from neo-classical guitars to all out speed metal fury. Moving ahead the song imparts an aggressive tone, with riffs that at times bring a thrash-based quality, shouted backing vocals and freight train momentum to match. Neo-classical guitars return to adorn the instrumental moments.
A 3-song EP the quality to Angelic Forces cannot help but leave me wanting more when factoring how it brings the total package in terms of choice songwriting, performance and production. The point being that three songs is a bit short in that I hope on its next release the group delivers at minimum six songs or the most optimal scenario being a full length album. Due to getting off to such a strong start, I cannot help but feel Angelic Forces has a bright future ahead of it.
Track Listing: “Thunder And Lighting” (4:36), “Never Fade” (3:49), “Angelic Forces” (5:54)
Musicians
Maurice Gijsman - Guitars
Harold de Vries - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Wilco van der Meij - Bass
Rudie Kingma - Drummer
