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AIR RAID
Fatal Encounter

High Roller (2023)
Rating: 8/10

It could be argued that this Swedish melodic metal act is offering nothing new, but if you like tight, infectious throwback metal then I highly recommend Air Raid’s fourth full-length outing.

Having formed back in 2009, Air Raid – even through its varying line-up changes – has remained a consistent, driving force within the scene. Guitarist Andreas Johansson is the only original member, but he has mastered that definitive 80s vibe with his impressive axe work. Alongside him, Magnus Mild brings further fiery dynamics – the duo shifting between galloping traditional metal and steelier and at times speedier segments.

Vocalist Fredrik Werner, who joined in 2017, has a powerful tone that adds to the potent framework, and more often than not these guys hint towards a niftier and slightly milder W.A.S.P. sort of vibe as the likes of ‘Thunderblood’ and ‘Lionheart’ shift and rumble with ballsy effect.

If you like soulful serious metal like Rainbow through to Tokyo Blade, Dokken and Euro power metal then you can’t go wrong with Air Raid. The darkly tinged yet sturdy ‘Edge Of A Dream’, the epic ‘Let The Kingdom Burn’, it’s all here – powerhouse heavy metal drenched in that 80s menace and keeping pace with Euro-Goth thunderclaps.

There is nothing pretentious or false about the design of Air Raid; straight up metal is on the menu and served up with extra spice from a waiter that doesn’t have time for humour.

Neil Arnold

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