Release date: 11 July, 2025

For Fans Of: Racer X, Cacophony, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Scanner, Crimson Glory

Mexico’s StarForce first unleashed their debut EP “The Universe is Mine” back in 2022 to pretty solid reviews (myself included), and now a few years removed, they release their debut full-length (with largely the same line-up). The band reached out to us directly, and we were happy to oblige. In part because Mexico’s trad metal scene seems to be a bit of a hotbed of late, a quiet titan.

Line Up

-Mely “Wild” Solis – Vocals 

-Kevin Valencia – Guitars/synths/Choirs

-Yeux Garcia – Guitars/Choirs

-Angel Pineda – Bass Guitar/Choirs

-Rockdrigo Rodriguez – Drums/choirs (greatest stage name ever)

Physical copies available through Evil Noise Records, Last Warrior Records and Sade Records (all Mexican Labels)

Recorded in 2024

Mixed, mastered and recorded by Saucedo Mx

Artwork by Julian Mortuus

Lay out frame by Diegoyain

Logo Bronze by Apocalyptic.nuke

Review

“Up to the Collapse in the Far Future” ushers us into the beyond with some moody synthesizers, which I am always a sucker for. However, these synths reminded me less of film or television from the 80s and more of video games like Metroid or Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. At a hair under a minute, there’s not much to talk about here as its merely the introductory track.

Our first proper track “Andromeda” shot out like a cannon with some heavy as hell riffing, and some seriously insane drum work from Rockdrigo. “Wild” Solis’ vocals are sizzling in this, the sound of her spoken Spanish is simply perfect for this brand of heavy/speed metal. Also have to mention the absolute shred-fest from the dual guitars of Garcia and Valencia, and Pineda’s basslines are crisp and smooth as they gallop along in the background. This was a total masterclass in metal goodness from beginning to end, with not a single weak-link from any of the 5-piece.

“Rock ‘N’ Roll Slave” once again began with some more shredding and thunderous drumming from Rockdrigo. Solis’ vocals break the barriers of language, keeping that same tiger-like ferocity whether sang in Spanish or English, like in this one. This is the sort of song that would be a blast to play on expert difficulty in Guitar Hero, the axe-work is so sublimely chaotic that is somehow manages to come together in a nice complete package. I find myself at a crossroads with whether I prefer this one over the previous track or vice versa.

With a more melodic opening, “Prophecy” changed things up quite mightily. Solis’ softer and slower vocals have a bit of Janet Gardner from Vixen in them, definitely some glam influence. The bass work of Pineda was really at the forefront during the opening, and it only amped up as things kicked into higher gear. While one of the longer tracks on the album, it never felt like it, and StarForce aptly used up their seconds without a moment of wasted time. Ooh, and the duelling solo was a true face melter.

“Space Warrior” was a more NWOBHM influenced affair, featuring some more grounded riffing than earlier tracks. Despite that, once again the guitar playing was simply on another level than much of StarForce’s contemporaries. The mid-song shift in tone and tempo was a wonderful choice creatively that really propelled this track forward.

“Piel Helada”, which I believe is ‘ice skin’ (my Spanish is rusty), had another moody sort of opening. Once again, I found myself practically bewitched by Solis’ vocals in her native Spanish. Towards the end, the guitars enter ballad territory, and it’s as amazing as one would expect. If this is as close as StarForce gets to a proper ballad, they’ve exceeded my expectations. For a band to be able to do a balls to the wall speed metal blitz, and a slick ballad, just shows their versatility.

“R.T.K. (Sadistic Impulses)” brought us back around to the age of speed and thrash with Solis unleashing a proper air raid siren wail to kick it off. Rockdrigo once again shows off his insane drumming skills, seriously the man is a beast behind the kit. And again, I have to shout out the guitar playing for StarForce, which has remained amazing throughout the record.

“Sonata en Bm (Draped in Light)” was another instrumental piece, but one that was commanded by its leadwork and featured no synths that I could tell. Instead, this one was effectively a 2 and a half minute small shreddy interlude that bled seamlessly into…

“Sign of an Angel” was chock full of bass, both of the drum and the guitar. I felt that this one was most like ‘Space Warrior’ in terms of its overall vibe. Until the absolute maddening bass part near the 3 minute mark, followed by the equally impressive solo. Seriously, StarForce is just overflowing with talent, it’s remarkable. The overall chorus delivery from Solis was infectious for certain, but the sheer virtuosity on display from the other bandmates was distractingly good.

Kicked off with a sizzling smooth bassline, “Stay Heavy!” soon let fly a gnarly riff that was one of the best I’d heard this year. Pineda’s bass skills are on full display in this one, with some nice and chunky bass work being practically ever-present throughout the song. Solis’ screams in this one were so damn good, that I can’t even describe them to do justice to them. Rockdrigo get a chance to shine with a nice little drum solo of his own, though he’s also letting out a barrage throughout the whole track. Dude might be a drum god.

“Lejos de Ti”, ‘Far From You’ in Spanish, was our final track and it began slowly and with an almost melancholic melody. About a minute into it, and that melody faded in favor of a more standard-tempo fare, nothing too fast or too slow. There’s a sense of longing in Solis’ delivery throughout this one that I found intoxicating. Choosing to close the album that not only sounds, but feels, different from all others on the album was certainly the right choice. This was a phenomenal way to close an already great record!

Conclusion

StarForce’s ‘Beyond the Eternal Night’ is a tour de force of dazzling musicianship, extraordinary dual-language vocals, and a proper exploration of the modern trad metal style. With each piece of the band bringing their A-game and more, there wasn’t a moment on the record that ever felt dull or boring or even like filler. With simply too many highlights to even begin to list, all I have left to say is LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM!

TheNwothm Score: 10/10

Links

Bandcamp:https://starforcemx.bandcamp.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/StarForceHM

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/starforce_mx/

Label: Independent