After 35 years of waiting it's finally here!  Danish heavy metallers ALIEN FORCE are set to release their studio album "We Meet Again" on the 26th of November 2021.  Their last release prior to this was their LP "Pain and Pleasure" which was released in 1986. Inspired by a string of live performances in the past few years, the group has been diligently working behind the scenes to give their die hard fans a truly epic experience.

The intro track "Set Me Free" sets the tone for the album with catchy guitar riffs and brilliant powerful vocals by Peter Svale Andersen.  It's all the NWOBM goodness and sound you would expect from the mates at ALIEN FORCE.  The vocal harmonies are melodically sweet and somber. My favorite part is the bridge right before the lead guitar comes in, that chord progression builds up so much tension that it just aches to be released.  The guitar solo really showcases the talent of Henrik Rasmussen which is definitely more soulful and not mindless shredding, featuring huge bends with some harmonics sprinkled in as well as some sparkling fast licks.

The title track "We Meet Again" is deliciously groovy with a hook that I envision being chanted by an insane crowd.  There's a cool sample of a news reporter of some kind telling you the origins of heavy metal giving a nod to the almighty JUDAS PRIEST.  Right after this there's another epic and soul shattering guitar solo which is followed by a half time feel section that builds back up into the chorus. The camaraderie and unity that this song intends to invoke is exactly what I feel is somewhat missing from the newer generation of metal where genres and opinions cloud the brotherhood of what metal has always been.  It's a beautifully written song and proves that after all this time,  METAL NEVER DIES!

One of the more up tempo tracks on the album is "Temptations". There are some awesome guitar harmonies in here and the distorted tones really push your mind into overdrive. Lyrically the song describes the struggles that one faces when deciding between choosing one's destiny or succumbing to the pressures of society to just give up.  Despite all the fears and doubts we may have we have to rise up above and beyond for our own sake as well as the well being of others.  It has really inspired me to be better and face adversity with courage and I hope it will inspire you as well.

Whether you're a loyal ALIEN FORCE fan or you enjoy any of the pioneers of metal this album is definitely for you.  The vocals, guitar work and songwriting are all top notch.  But more than that they show they are capable of touching your soul and that no matter how long a time has passed since you've been with your metal brethren WE WILL MEET AGAIN.