During the early days of the 80's, as an answer for what was happening in Europe (NWOBHM in UK, German Metal in Germany, and acts from Belgium and Denmark), the US Metal scene arose as a monolith and with a different model: they got influences from the 70's Heavy Metal (especially of JUDAS PRIEST), mixed with many Hard Rock features (because bands as BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has an seminal appeal on North American scene), even what some pioneers as RIOT (today RIOT V) and THE RODS sawn the seeds of what happened, and technical and melodic care that North American musicians have. It's not hard to understand the reasons why US Metal genres have a different sound, and what the quintet RESISTANCE depicts on "Skulls of my Enemy" shows this 'US Metal DNA'.

It's a form of Heavy/Power Metal from the early days of the 80's, something similar to what HAMMERFALL did on its early releases. But hold your horses and don't jump to conclusions yet, because the band's members are not young ones trying to revive something, but are here for a long time, and in their music, many influences can be heard, from classic Heavy Metal to Thrash Metal, and even from US Power Metal (if you think the genre was born on Germany, you must study a bit more). So it's a personal approach, full of energy and plenty of melodic hooks. And yes, it's really very good. The band delivered the responsibility of mixing and mastering the album to Ronald Sandoval (who worked previously with ANGER AS ART). The final result seems as the band set their gears in the most traditional and organic form possible, using simple instrumental tunes, but with mixing and mastering done with modern devices, because everything sounds classic, but fresh and with energy. And as heavy as hell!

Being a part of the NWOTHM (New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal), the band really has a sort of Old School Metal elements, but it's not sounding "moldy'. And for a taste of what they are up to, check "Valhalla has Locked It's Doors" (excellent and powerful guitars, with a classic playing, but with an young energy, and what good choruses), the perfect balance between melodies and weight show on "On Dragon Wings" (the classic appeal shown on bass guitar and drums is excellent), the updated NWBHM harmonic structure of "Earthshaker", the massive weight of "Empires Fall", and the charming and catchy melodies heard on "Awaken the Necromancer" (this one shows an 80's mix between classic Heavy Metal and Hard Rock influences, and what good vocals), are the right ones.

RESISTANCE is really a very good band, and the work shown on "Skulls of my Enemy" is great!