Shadow Kingdom Records has confirmed March the 27th as the international release date for “Haneda,” the long‑awaited fourth album from Germany’s Cruel Force. The record will be available on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette.

Cruel Force first carved their name into the underground in 2008 with the “Into the Crypts… demo,” immediately standing apart from the countless bands attempting to recreate the early German blackthrash sound. Their approach carried a conviction and songwriting strength that felt genuinely rooted in that lineage. Two rapid-fire full-lengths followed which were 2010’s “The Rise of Satanic Might” and 2011’s “Under the Sign of the Moon” both of which solidified their cult status worldwide. After that second album, the band entered a lengthy hiatus, eventually re-emerging with 2022’s “Across the Styx” EP and, in 2023, the triumphant full-length” Dawn of the Axe,” their first release with Shadow Kingdom.

Now the band continues their renewed momentum with “Haneda,” a record that pushes their Second Era into sharper focus. While their early work leaned heavily into blackened aggression, the modern incarnation of Cruel Force embraces a purer, classic speed metal identity. The raw, unpolished energy of heavy metal’s earliest age is alive and well here, but elevated by a sense of mysticism and a refined, hard-hitting production approach. The blue-collar grit of “Dawn of the Axe” has been honed into something sleeker and more lethal, giving “Haneda” a striking impact.

Although it naturally follows the direction set by its predecessor, “Haneda” stands firmly on its own. The album widens the band’s atmospheric range, guiding listeners through ancient temples, desert expanses, dense jungles, mountain peaks, and other shadowed realms. While not a concept album, its aesthetic cohesion is unmistakable, strengthened by a production style that embraces the massive, organic sound of the 1980s. From the ringing guitars to the thunderous drums, everything is built to feel bold, natural, and authentically old-school.

“To us, it often feels like what Rainbow / Dio would have sounded if they’d played speed metal!” the band states. True to that vision, “Haneda” blends neoclassical touches and subtle nods to Eastern European metal with the ferocity of Kreator, Deathrow, Razor, Piledriver, and Powerlord, while channeling the grandeur of Rainbow, Iron Maiden, and Virgin Steele. The result is a record steeped in authenticity.

With whips cracking and steel drawn, Cruel Force stand ready, Sword of Iron in hand, awaiting the Titan’s rise. Will you dare step into “Haneda” and risk awakening the Savage Gods on the path to the Crystal Skull?

The first single will be unveiled later this month, with preorder details to follow. Cover art and full tracklisting are below.

Tracklisting for Cruel Force’s Haneda
1. The Cross
2. Whips A Swinging
3. Savage Gods
4. Sword Of Iron
5. Crystal Skull
6. Warlords
7. Black Talon
8. Titan’s Awakening
9. Haneda

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CruelForce

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Bigcartel: cruelforce.bigcartel.com

Website: www.shadowkingdomrecords.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shadowkingdomrecords