Crucible | Hail To The Force | From The Vaults Records

 

    Crucible is a new force in the Danish metal scene, built from the embers of passion for speed, aggression, and melody. Formed in 2024, the band brings together musicians from acts like Impalers and Pectora, uniting under a simple mission: to write strong, memorable songs driven by the energy of classic heavy and speed metal. Their lineup solidified quickly, with Thomas Carnell and Jon Brogård on guitars, Phillip Butler handling vocals, Ole Iversen on drums, and Kenneth Frandsen on bass. Drawing from a variety of influences—from Riot City and Racer X to cold war history and cinematic soundscapes—Crucible aims straight for the throat with raw intensity and an undying love for the genre’s roots.

 “Hail To The Force” is a fast, loud, and determined introduction to Crucible’s vision. Across ten tracks and 37 minutes, the album burns with purpose and direction. The music charges forward with galloping rhythms, tight twin-guitar work, and intense, high-pitched but tuneful vocals. There is no concept, no pretense—only adrenaline-fueled songwriting shaped by the instincts of its two main guitarists.

Each track brings something different to the table. Some are full-speed assaults that echo the energy of early US and German speed metal, while others slow things down to explore more atmospheric or heavy approaches, nodding toward epic metal and even post-apocalyptic themes. The songwriting is clear, focused, and consistent in intent, without sounding repetitive. Crucible is not interested in overcomplicating their sound—they rely on sharp riff construction, strong vocal hooks, and pounding drums to get their message across.

What sets “Hail To The Force” apart is its intensity. Recorded in a tight window, the album captures the band’s urgency. The drums, in particular, are alive and powerful, benefitting from an unsampled, live-in-the-room energy. Vocals are forceful but never overdone, balancing grit with attitude. The production, handled by Marco Angioni, is rough around the edges in a good way—real and immediate without sounding messy.

The album flows well from start to finish, with brief moments of variation that give space for the band’s different inspirations to shine through—whether it’s a touch of Cold War imagery, sword-wielding fantasy, or power metal grandeur. Despite being a debut, there’s confidence in the execution. Crucible sounds like a band that knows exactly what it wants to do, and they do it with speed and fire.

“Hail To The Force” is a strong start for Crucible. It’s fast, heavy, and direct, delivering a mix of classic and modern speed metal elements without getting bogged down in nostalgia. The performances are energetic, the riffs are solid, and the band plays with commitment and drive. Crucible may be at the beginning of their journey, but with this album, they’ve planted their flag with force and clarity.

Score: 8.2