In 1984, amidst the rising tide of thrash and speed metal, the Canadian trio Exciter unleashed their sophomore album, "Violence & Force." This raucous offering, a relentless sonic assault of breakneck speed, unhinged vocals, and pummeling drums, solidified their place as pioneers of the burgeoning speed metal subgenre. The album's iconic cover art, featuring a demonic figure wielding a sword and shield, immediately captured the attention of metalheads and became synonymous with the band's aggressive sound.
The historical context of "Violence & Force" is crucial. It emerged in a period of heightened aggression in heavy metal, with bands pushing the boundaries of speed and heaviness. Exciter, who had already established themselves with their debut album, "Heavy Metal Maniac," embraced this sonic arms race. They delved deeper into their signature speed metal sound, amplifying the intensity and aggression while experimenting with darker lyrical themes and more complex song structures. The album was particularly notable for its exploration of war and violence, a thematic departure from their previous work.
"Violence & Force" was recorded at Phase One Studios in Toronto, a well-known haven for Canadian hard rock and heavy metal acts. The production team consisted of the band themselves, along with engineer Paul Lachapelle. While the production quality might not have been as polished as some of their contemporaries, it perfectly captured the raw energy and intensity of Exciter's sound. The rawness of the production became a defining characteristic of the album, resonating with fans who craved unadulterated, unfiltered metal. This DIY approach to production further solidified Exciter's image as a band that refused to compromise their sound for commercial appeal.
The album opens with the title track, "Violence & Force," a relentless assault of speed and fury that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Other standout tracks include the anthemic "Pounding Metal," the menacing "Saxons of the Fire," and the epic "War Is Hell," which showcases the band's ability to craft longer, more complex compositions without sacrificing their signature speed. These tracks quickly became fan favorites and are still performed live today, highlighting their enduring popularity.
Despite its undeniable power, "Violence & Force" was not without controversy. Some critics dismissed it as a retread of their debut album, while others found the production too raw and unrefined. Additionally, Dan Beehler's high-pitched vocals, a love-it-or-hate-it element, continued to polarize listeners. However, these criticisms did little to dampen the enthusiasm of Exciter's growing fanbase, who embraced the album's unapologetic aggression and uncompromising sound. The controversy surrounding the album only served to further solidify Exciter's reputation as a band that pushed boundaries and refused to conform to expectations.
In retrospect, "Violence & Force" is a testament to Exciter's unwavering commitment to their craft. It's a sonic middle finger to the establishment, a raw and unfiltered expression of rebellion and defiance. While it may not have achieved the commercial success of some of its contemporaries, its impact on the underground metal scene is undeniable. The album's influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, solidifying Exciter's place as pioneers of the speed metal movement.
"Violence & Force" is not just an album; it's an experience. It's a sonic assault that will leave you breathless, a testament to the raw power and unbridled energy that defined a generation of heavy metal. So crank it up, let your hair down, and prepare to be swept away by the sheer force of Exciter's "Violence & Force."
