Last week I mentioned it is frightening to review debut albums, as you have no reference from the past. On the other hand it can also be very interesting and exciting, as you get the chance to discover a new band. In this case I have, as TERMINATION FORCE is a UK band, from Southampton in Hampshire. That is also the place where they have recorded their debut EP "Netherworld". They were formed in 2021. And to say it got me excited is putting it mildly.

Their music is Heavy/Speed and sometimes even Thrash metal that is firmly fixed with a late eighties, early nineties vibe. Something they admit in the info sheet that comes with my digital music files. The riffs, the tempos, the breaks, they all could have been written back then. But they aren't, and TERMINATION FORCE has put them all to good use by writing, playing and recording five pretty good songs that will have you banging your head intensely if you're not careful.

The question would you want to be careful? I for one really have to, but that is more due to my age and my body not reacting too well anymore when I start going for it. Not at the time, as it feels bloody marvellous and gets all my juices flowing. That is when the musical content gives me my own sort of high, most of the time aided by the consummation of some (or more ) alcohol. As it should be, especially with eighties Metal. Afterwards though, is a completely different story, as a stiff neck, a sore back and wobbly knees remind me that I am not that young and nimble anymore.

I have to admit that the extra admiration I have is due to the voice of Rich Rutter, and the riffs of Jamie Brooks. There are times during the "Netherworld" EP that they remind me of AGENT STEEL during their John Cyriis era. And that makes my hair stand on end, my mind racing like a hurricane and goosebumps appearing all over my body. I just can't help wondering whether TERMINATION FORCE started life as an AGENT STEEL tribute band. That would explain their musical choices, which I like. A lot! They use sci-fi as lyrical references as well, have that Thrashy Speed Metal vibe, and have a singer that can reach the heights if he wants. Whatever the answer is, the "Netherworld" EP has piqued my interest in such a way that I will be looking forward to hearing a full TERMINATION FORCE album when it becomes available.