As everyone already knows, the German Metal scene helped to build the foundations for Heavy Metal on the 80's and for many other genres. Names as SCORPIONS, ACCEPT and others are the solid pillars for many things build after them. And side by side with the previous name is TRANCE, a legendary cult band from Germany that, even without the same commercial praise of the previous names, never gave up and is back for another round with "Metal Forces". After all these years, their musical work still shows the same very good mix of Hard Rock from the 70's with a massive heavy musical weighty, and a catchy and aggressive energy. It sounds classic, melodic and heavy as Hell, with many contrasts between fast moments with slower parts, solid instrumental technique (without exaggerations on the playing) and very good vocals.

Although, one can say that they don't do anything new, why in the blazes they should make chances after almost 50 years? It's good as it is! The production was done in a form that the band's music can be felt as organic and crude. But everything sounds clean and strong, heavy as it must be. So it's very good, the music can be understood, but the band's music deserves a better production on the next time. The energy and speed of "The Fighter" (that shows a solid rhythmic basis along fine vocals), the abrasive approach used by the guitar riffs on "Troublemaker" and "Deep Dance" (the choruses are fine as well), the mix between melodies and aggressiveness exposed on "Believers" and "As Long as I Live" (fine vocals once more, but the work of bass guitar and drums is really very good), and the sharp and modern energetic grasp of "Metal Forces" are the ones for a first ride on the album. But the bonus track for the Digipak version shown on "Unstoppable" is very good as well.

"Metal Forces" is a good release to hear, and shows that TRANCE still have lessons to teach to the neophites.