After a big hole was left in our metal hearts, the wait is almost over as the triumphant return of NWOTHM titans Air Raid is here. Listen out for those sirens because you’ll be soon discovering ‘Fatal Encounter,’their epic new album!
Belonging to the same generation as Ambush, Screamer, Enforcer and Robert Pehrsson’s Humbucker, AIR RAID are currently hailed as one of the most accomplished protagonists of the new wave of traditional Swedish heavy metal.
The band was formed by guitarist Andy Johansson in Gothenburg in 2009. After a two-track demo in 2011 and a CD EP called »Danger Ahead«, the band’s debut album »Night Of The Axe« saw the light of day in 2012, followed by two more full-length records for the High Roller label: »Point Of Impact« (2014) and the critically acclaimed »Across The Line« (2017).
“»Across The Line« was very well received world wide,” is how Johansson describes the reactions to the third AIR RAID album, which was in 2019 followed by an exclusive 7” single called »Demon’s Eye« including two brand new tracks. “The 7” format is not so common anymore, right?,” adds vocalist Fredrik Werner. “I love going to record stores and finding these old singles that often have B-sides that never made the albums. Speaking of »Demon’s Eye«, I’d say it was the perfect bridge between »Across The Line« and »Fatal Encounter«.”
As just mentioned, »Fatal Encounter« is the name of AIR RAID’s brand new studio album. Since the 7” single »Demon’s Eye«, the band changed their drummer and bass player. As a result, »Fatal Encounter« was recorded by Andy Johansson (guitars), Magnus Mild (guitars), Fredrik Werner (vocals), Jan Ekberg (bass) and William Seidl (drums).
“We worked in a couple of different studios in Gothenburg when tracking this album,” explains guitarist Andy Johansson. “This was partially due to Covid but also because we wanted to try out new things. The writing process went very smoothly as Fredrik and I collaborated on most of the songs.” “We never had any special sound in mind,” continues Andy, “but more a constant flow of ideas that came together nicely. I prefer to let all songs live their own life and not thinking ‘it has to sound like this or that’. I think this mindset makes our music quite unique among other heavy metal bands.”
“We’ve put down a great deal of effort into »Fatal Encounter«, and I have good faith in that it will take us were we need to go”, is how vocalist Fredrik Werner puts it. “Now we’ll let the music do the talking and we’ll see what the future brings. Nothing is impossible!”
Mastered by Patrick W. Engel at TEMPLE OF DISHARMONY in October 2022.
-High Roller Records
Review: Fatal Encounter
What I love about Air Raid is how they bring something different every time with each release while retaining that Air Raid sound. We had the perfect bridge release of “Demons Eye” a couple of years a go which filled the time gap between ‘Across the Line’ and ‘Fatal Encounter.’ Retaining elements of the sound from that period combined with the new direction the band have taken for ‘Fatal Encounter,’ the album is fresh, colossal in sound and full of everything you could want from Air Raid.
We start the album with the mighty Thunderblood! The track comes in like a kick in the teeth with hungry, ferocious guitars and chants of ‘thunder.’ Bring in the mesmerising and almighty powerful vocals of Fredrik Werner who’s distinguishable voice really gives Air Raid that extra warm feeling. The subtle backing vocals are a great addition adding that depth and thickness to the choruses and add punch in other parts of the song with the familiar ‘thunder’ chants. This is a fantastic track which brings you that comforting feeling of familiarity. Knowing that Air Raid are back really is a great feeling!
Lionheart is fast and furious like a fighter jet tearing the skies. Full of speed, this is a force not to be messed with! Air Raids big and bold sound is present and there is certainly a lot of width and depth to the music. The choruses are strong with the calls of lionheart echoing in the distance. Fast guitars and drums that tumble and pound throughout, you are then welcomed by a solo that rips past you like a tornado at full power. You can not deny that Andy and Magnus are exceptional guitar players and their musical play between one another works perfectly. Another killer track!
Next up is one of my favourite tracks from the album! In Solitude comes in full of attitude and swagger. This mid tempo number has that tantalising 80s vibe as an undertone combined with the pure dirt and grittiness of the guitar riffs delivered by Andy and Magnus from start to finish. Its musical structure is interesting and engaging! Expect musical texture, with rich emotional delivery and amazing balance between tempo changes. It has touches of strings added to the choruses that give the song a magical touch and a breakdown /solo section that screams emotion. I can easily imagine this song standing strong as a set piece for future shows!
Air Raid keep the machine going with See The Light. A slightly mystical, eerie riff runs almost the full length of this track with lyrics taking aim for the heavens and the light. While in the background Jan and William provide a strong, driving force with the rhythm section. As the song reaches three quarters of way through a mid tempo, sleazy riff breaks the pace throwing its weight about. The swagger throws the song into a frenzy of fast solo guitars that twist and weave before drifting into the outro section of the song. Another great helping of metal served up hot!
Sinfonia is a short instrumental that feels some what neo-classical with fluttering guitar scales that are backed by a harpsichord or similar instrument. A brilliant little piece that once again shows of the skills of member(s) in he band. A worthy little break in a full and colourful album!
Edge Of A Dream comes in with an out of this world musical build up among the instruments before you are catapulted into the main body of the song . It is hard to not notice that at points Fredrik sounds a little like Steve Perry from Journey. And even when all the music is stripped away in the breakdown for a few seconds it feels more noticeable. Fredrik has mastered the art of writing exciting and compelling vocal melodies that keep you locked in the music.
Let The Kingdom Burn is another mid tempo stomper that at times feel like a beast hunting its prey. I love how the song provides plenty of air and space for Fredrik’s vocals to shine through and be a stand out aspect of this song. And as the song progresses his vocals heighten and present even more emotion and feeling. The song is full of dynamic and provides plenty of moments where the music breakdowns and builds back. The solo is twinged with a touch of spice and exoticness. And as the song continues there are moments where everything feels a little sinister!
One By One is a huge and explosive track that will take you back to the sound and feel of the Across the Line period. Hurtling at a hundred miles an hour, this will give you a rush of adrenaline through the veins. You need to be strapped in for this rocket with Magnus and Andy’s weaving melodic harmonies. Spitting fiery guitar work that is dripping with fuel and ferocity. Not to mention a pummelling rhythm section. It’s a feel good track that will get you headbanging, fist pumping and throwing the metal horns to the sky. Another track full of flavour and heat that certainly leaves a lasting taste and you wanting more!
We come to the end of what has been a fantastic album finishing of with the hard hitting Pegasus Fantasy. This is a bright and uplifting song full of exuberance and charm! I love the fact that Air Raid have chosen to sing in what I only presume is Swedish (I might be wrong?). The guitars chug away while Fredrik shines through with his radiating vocal lines. The combination of lead and perfectly placed background vocals like other tracks are a fantastic addition helping to lift the track of the ground. A well rounded track that you can turn up full volume in your car and drive off into the sunset!
Conclusion
Well what can I say? Air Raid have done it again and will blow you out of the water with this exciting and exhilarating new album. It has everything you could want from Air Raid, the speed, the velocity, fantastic production that makes the whole thing sound enormous. Andy and Magnus deliver on the guitars with their intricate playing abilities, Jan and William take take full charge on the drums and bass and Fredrik, well what can i say. His vocals are magical giving air raids music a depth that his hard to describe. Stacked full of emotions and feeling, this album is a roller coaster from start to finish! Air Raid fans will be throughly pleased with ‘Fatal Encounter’ as it stands strong, being a worthy addition to the bands discography.
The Nwothm 
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