Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Enforced - War Remains (2023)

Two years after Kill Grid and Enforced lavished 2023 with another thirty three minutes of chopping and chugging thrash metal that picked up exactly where the aforementioned release left off.  The frenetic pacing and no nonsense approach to the delivery of the ten songs on show again take me on that nostalgic trip to a handful of classic thrashers as mentioned on my review of Kill Grid.  But there is a lot more to Enforced than just nostalgia.  Enforced are effortlessly keeping up with the cream of the modern thrash metal pack with each release they put out.  Standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of High Command and Judiciary, the band churn out some of the finest punk-influenced crossover in the business.  Equally as energetic as early Slayer and Exodus I can see Gary Holt being at home in the ranks of Enforced should such a collaboration ever occur.

Their energy levels here match Drain on their opus from this year but there is a more down and dirty element to Enforced that carries the aura of an Iron Reagan or even a Cro-Mags.  Enforced are a fun band talking about serious topics.  Revelling in highlighting the hypocrisy inherant in politics, religion and war, they blaze a bruising and scarring commentary on War Remains.  It is a state of the world address without the bullshit, minus the glitter and with the turd firmly centre stage with all eyes forced toward it.  This disdain exudes forth from War Remains in every gruff chant, every scathing riff and every predatory drum strike.

Three albums in and Enforced can still do no qrong in my eyes and continue to improve on each outing without having to make any major changes or introduce any curved balls in terms of direction or influence.  No frills thrash metal with a powerful message behind it that should resonate with anyone with a shred of interest in world affairs and as we rollover into 2024 the thems in discussion on War Remains feel ever so relevant.