E-FORCE — Demonikhol (review)

E-FORCE — Demonikhol album cover Album · 2015 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Demonikhol" is the 4th full-length studio album by French thrash metal act E-Force. The album was released through Mausoleum Records in June 2015. E-Force was formed in 2001 by former Voivod vocalist/bassist Eric Forrest after he left Voivod (he recorded "Negatron (1995)" and "Phobos (1997)" with them). After releasing the E-Force debut full-length studio album "Evil Forces" in 2003, Forrest relocated from Canada to France and assembled a new lineup for the recording of the sophomore album "Modified Poison (2008)". Then a longer recording break followed before E-Force returned with "The Curse..." in 2014. With the release of "Demonikhol" only a year down the line, it would seem that E-Force is determined not to let as much time pass between albums again. "Demonikhol" was recorded by the duo lineup of: Eric Forrest (vocals, bass, guitars) and Krof (drums). The album features guest lead guitar performances by Vincent Agar (Yotangor, Lust), Tomáš Skořepa (Exorcizphobia), Antonello Gilliberto, Dan Baune (Monument) and Rob Urbinati (Sacrifice).

"Demonikhol" is a concept album, telling the story of the harm and destruction that alcohol abuse can bring with it. Stylistically the music is a continuation of the band´s already established sound, which can best be described as thrash metal with occasional progressive metal leanings (the vocals are predominantly really raw screaming/blackened type thrash vocals). Forrest´s work with Voivod often comes to mind (just listen to the opening riff to "Grievance", or some of the chord progressions featured on "Invasion"), although the music on "Demonikhol" is generally much more aggressive and raw sounding, than what Forrest did with the Canadians.

Most material on the 11 track, 44:06 minutes long album is in the hard edged, aggressive thrash metal style that is by now the band´s trademark sound, but they do deviate from the formula a couple of times during the playing time. "The Day After" which is placed in the middle of the album is a somber and atmospheric track featuring clean vocals, and album closer "Last Call" is an instrumental ambient industrial tinged track.

The musicianship is generally on a high level, and the sound production is professional and well sounding too. The songwriting is consistent, but the tracks maybe lack that last cathiness to truly enter excellent territory. I hear moments of high quality throughout the album, but a few more hooks could have made the album more memorable. As it is it´s still a great listen though and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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