Review CRUEL FORCE “Haneda”

A few weeks ago, Cruel Force launched their new album, “Haneda”, the latest release from the German metal band. Founded in south-west Germany in 2008, the band’s debut album was called “The Rise of Satanic Might”. After releasing two more albums, “Haneda” marks the band’s fourth release.

Pushing the pedal to the metal, with ’80s speed metal in their rear-view mirror, the quartet delivers another stunning album exuding the essence of raw, untamed metal.

“Haneda” builds on the success of the previous release, “Dawn of the Axe”, which marked the beginning of the band’s second era. At the same time, the band’s latest studio effort is another great step forward, referencing the roots of authentic, unpolished heavy metal, with mystical realms forming the lyrical connection between the songs.

“Haneda” starts in a rather traditional way, with an intro at the top of the tracklist. “The Cross” sets the scene for a 40-minute metal extravaganza, kicking off with “Whips-A-Swinging”. This furious speed metal song showcases the band’s relentless approach to metal. Fast and sharp as a blade of steel, it is a delight for headbangers.

“Savage Gods” takes a similar approach, being an intense metal song with excellent riffing, powerful drumming, and impressive vocals. I’m tempted to say that this album is like travelling back in time to the heyday of metal, but Cruel Force offer more than that. The band picks up the vibe from a bygone era and infuses their music with this spirit. “Sword of Iron” is the next track on this up-tempo journey through the realms of heavy metal, featuring an epic chorus.

Cruel Force is certainly inspired by bands like Kreator and Deathrow, among others. However, there is also a link to bands like Rainbow and Dio, which can be heard in songs like “Crystal Skull” . The Rainbow-influenced start speaks volumes, and the way the instrumental continues unveils a wider range of influences. This pulsating song also showcases a band with much more to offer than just high-speed metal. “Crystal Skull” sits perfectly within the Cruel Force repertoire, showcasing the band’s versatility.

There is a hint of “Gates of Babylon” in “Warlords” before some Dio references show the impact of the godfather of metal. “Warlords” gains speed along the way, developing into another furious speed metal assault, with musical twists and details providing an extra dimension. “Titan’s Awakening” shows no mercy, and the band holds nothing back in this furious headbanger of a finale.

The title track is the final song on this album and the true highlight. In nine minutes, Cruel Force show their entire musical range. From pounding riff attacks to up-tempo neck-breakers, the song offers everything a metal fan could ask for. Thunderous and stunning leads interact with epic passages, as demonstrated in the middle of the song. The title track showcases Cruel Force’s compositional skills, and the band’s use of their musical toolkit is remarkable.

“Haneda” is one of the highlights of 2026. The band’s return and their third album were promising moments, and it is “Haneda” that dramatically raises the bar. This album is pure metal from start to finish, and will delight headbangers everywhere. Don’t miss it!