RESISTANCE
“Skulls Of My Enemy”
Album Review by Iron Mathew

10/10

Resistance are a heavy metal band from the USA formed in 2000 releasing four albums to date – ‘Lies In Black’ (2004), ‘Patents Of Control’ (2007). ‘Metal Machine’ (2017), and ‘Skulls Of My Enemy’ released in 2022…

…and, just like the bands previous album ‘Metal Machine’, the new album features a striking cover that defiantly screams “heavy metal inside”. And with nine songs over a heavy, power driven forty minutes, Resistance reinforce themselves as America’s answer to Judas Priest – the legendary British metal pioneers.

‘Skulls Of My Enemy’ is a fast paced and aggressive avalanche of pure heavy metal – the album coming to life with the sub one minute intro ‘Call To Arms’, calling all the bands fans to come gather round and listen to the new album, as it gets underway proper with ‘Valhalla Has Locked Its Doors’ – a thundering fast paced metaller. Heads will be banging hard to this one for sure, Resistance powering forth with purpose and intent. The classic sound of traditional metal enhanced by American muscle is glorious, with the Californian five piece at the forefront of America’s current heavy metal exports. Resistance power on with the more traditional metal gallop of ‘On Dragon Wings’, planting one foot firmly on the monitor. The band introduce one helluva melodious and sing a long-able chorus break that’s gonna go down an absolute storm in a live arena – should the band perform ‘On Dragon Wings’ on tour!

Without stopping for a breather, the band roar on with the high velocity ‘Earthshaker’ – and a mosh pit maker. For ‘Earthshaker’ will instantly create mosh pits, causing metal heads everywhere to begin vigorous head banging. Vigorous! Is there any other kind when the metal is this good! Methinks not… With the pedal pressed firmly to the metal, Resistance are stopping for no-one, ‘Nordic Witch’ the next heavy metal onslaught. And at a faster pace too! ‘Nordic Witch’ becoming the fastest song on the album so far, replete with yet another gorgeous sing a long style chorus – the band knowing exactly how to gain participation from their audience. ‘Empires Fall’ brings a heavier tone to the album, but no slowing of the pace! The band began the album at full tilt and have maintained that intensity all the way ’til now – and I really hope this intensity remains until the end. ‘Skulls Of My Enemy’ is becoming one of those albums where every song is just so good, you don’t wanna skip a single one.

Resistance blew me away five years ago with just how metal ‘Metal Machine’ was, and the band are doing exactly the same again – ‘Templar’s Creed’ the next high intensity power come traditional metal romp. American muscle definitely coming out on top here, ‘Skulls Of My Enemy’ a blistering barrage of brilliance. And have I mentioned how melodious the band are over the chorus breaks! Yea, I thought so… ‘Awaken The Necromancer’ has an atmospheric and tension fuelled intro, adopting the mighty foot stomping style of heavy metal as it progresses. And a heavy touch of the anthemic style too! Sabaton, Powerwolf and Manowar take a back seat here as Resistance take centre (world) stage with masses of oomph and an immense amount of force. Sadly, the album has to come to an end – but come on readers, you should know by now what the replay button is for! ‘Cause believe me you’ll be pressing it many times in the foreseeable future. The final song ‘Metallium’ is a wow moment…so much energy and pizzazz it’s incredible. And I must admit to frantically scouring the W.A.S.P. back catalogue, for the sound of ‘Metallium’ is so similar to the American legends! But no, it appears ‘Metallium’ is a Resistance original – full of power, pace and sing a long ability. Oh, and head bang ability too! A fantastic end to a great album.

Overall, a fast paced and full force onslaught. Resistance have delivered a glorious album of power driven heavy metal,

TRACKLIST

Call To Arms (intro)
Valhalla Has Locked Its Doors
On Dragon Wings
Earthshaker
Nordic Witch
Empires Fall
Templar’s Creed
Awaken The Necromancer
Metallium

http://www.resistanceusa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/resistanceusaofficial/

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