Crucible have landed with their debut album “Hail To The Force,” a raw blast of speed metal forged in Denmark’s underground. With roots in pandemic-era isolation and a lineup now locked in, the band are carving their own path through a scene dominated by heavier extremes. We spoke to Crucible about how it all began, what fuels their sound, and a few surprises along the way.

Interview

TheNwothm: Can you start by introducing the band?

Crucible: We are Crucible. One of the speed metal bands of all time. We are currently five members in the band: Thomas (guitar), Jon (guitar), Phil (vocals), Kenneth (bass) and Ole (drums). We are about to unleash our debut album ‘Hail To The Force’ upon you on September 12th. 

TheNwothm: How did the lineup come together? Was it a slow burn or a lightning strike?

Crucible: It was a slow process at first. Started by Jon and Thomas during the dark covid years it began as a small project that just grew in scope. The first goal was to make a demo, so we recruited Phil to sing and Kenneth to put down some bass. The idea of the demo was to use it as a way to attract a permanent drummer. Instead we got a record deal, so task failed successfully on that one. Later on Ole emerged from the mists of Agger and joined the band to complete the lineup.

TheNwothm: You’re flying the Danish flag in the speed metal realm. What part of Denmark do you call home, and how has that shaped your sound or spirit?

Crucible: Currently we live all over the country. Three members in Copenhagen, one in Aarhus and a member all the way to the west in Agger, right at the edge of the world. Three of us come from Jylland and growing up outside civilisation (Copenhagen) have given us all straightforward minimum bullshit attitudes. This suits our music well as we are free of any silly hipster tendencies. 

TheNwothm: Denmark’s known for Viking lore, brutal winters, and impeccable pastries. What parts of Danish culture sneak into your music, even if unintentionally?

Crucible: I think the part of danish attitude that sneaks into our music is probably a heavy dose of irony and sarcasm. There is a lyric in Evilforce that goes “Armageddon’s monkeypaw”. Don’t think a band taking itself very serious would have a lyric like that. 

TheNwothm: What’s the most un-metal thing about Denmark that you secretly love?

Crucible: Remoulade. (Pickled nonsense in a tube – is it metal or not? We will never know, but it goes on fish and a danish hotdog and that is what truly matters.)

TheNwothm: Is there a local scene or venue that’s been crucial to your journey so far?

Crucible: There is basically no traditional heavy metal scene in Denmark. It is all just death metal and black metal or variations thereof. We together with a few other bands are some of the few trying to keep the spirit alive. Maybe Heavy Agger and Metal Magic festivals – true metal thrives there.

TheNwothm: Do you feel Danish metal gets enough attention internationally, or is there still a bit of a hidden treasure vibe?

Crucible: No we don’t get enough attention, so listen to our music all you bastards from abroad! Beyond the established bands, Volbeat, Merciful Fate, DAD, Artillery…not so much!

TheNwothm: Now the music! “The Savage Weapon Demo” (2024) kicked things off! What was the mission behind that release, and how did it set the tone?

Crucible: Well I think we already answered that but basically the mission was to get something out there and use that to find a drummer that wanted to play this kind of music. 

TheNwothm: “Deathdealer” (2025) came next. What inspired that track, and how did it differ from the demo in terms of energy or intent?

Crucible: The lyrics and name of the song was inspired by the artwork of Frank Frazetta of the same name. It was a natural evolution from the songs of the demo, a straight forward speed metal song that became an obvious album opener.  

TheNwothm: “Hail to the Force” (2025) is your full-length debut. What’s the story behind the album title, and which track do you think will surprise listeners most?

Crucible: I (Thomas) thought it sounded cool. Maybe slightly inspired by Riot City’s “Return Of The Force”. The instrumental “while my guitar gently sweeps”, which has synths on it.

TheNwothm: Was “Hail to the Force” a slow burn or a quick strike in terms of putting it together? What sparked the creative fire behind it, and where did you end up recording?

Crucible: Well we had about a year to write songs, get our complete lineup together and play our first shows before entering the studio so it was quite intense in terms of time pressure. 

TheNwothm: If each of you had to describe your playing style using a medieval weapon, what would it be?

Crucible: Uh, big fuckin’ axe. Obviously. 

TheNwothm: What’s the most unexpected non-metal artist or genre you secretly enjoy?

Crucible: Oh boy. Synthwave. Gonna leave out all the classic rock we listen to, but there is a ton of that. But yeah, Carpenter Brut, Midnight Danger and Nightstop are bangin’.

TheNwothm: Thinking ahead, are there riffs or themes already brewing for the next release, or are you letting Hail to the Force breathe for a bit?

Crucible: Riffs are currently being written. 

TheNwothm: Any upcoming shows or tours fans should be sharpening their blades for?

Crucible: We got 3 shows around the release date…in Copenhagen and Århus. No tours yet, but hoping Germany (Keep It True) gets in touch soon.

TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?

Crucible: You can buy the album from https://targetshop.dk/en/crucible/ and if you want a tshirt or a patch you have to come to the show.

TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?

Crucible: Instagram and Facebook are where we post informative stuff and complete nonsense.

TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?

Crucible: Remember to bring your sister(s) to the show! And listen to Motörhead!