StarForce – Beyond the Eternal Night (Cosmically Inclined Heavy Speed Metal)
I was all over the Eurotrash art style for the cover of this. What is this shit, some Soviet-era sci-fi poster flair? Just beautiful. It’s a wonderfully chaotic scene. Are the ships supposed to be flying towards her? The perspective makes that impossible, so who knows and goddamn it, I love it. We’ve got here one of the greatest heavy speed metal bands I’ve ever heard, Mexican godsends StarForce, who for some reason spell their name like that (maybe because there’s an old NES game with that title). I dabbled a bit in earlier material for context, and let me tell you I’m already awaiting their next full-length drop for 2026. This one here, Beyond the Eternal Night, technically dropped earlier this year, but it’s getting a wider presence via Jawbreaker Records, which is more than enough of an excuse for me to review it.
StarForce’s self-proclaimed “pure primitive steel from outer space,” is not mere exaggeration or hyperbole. This is exactly the kind of energy that made original heavy metal so electrifying. The ferocity of this band is thankfully not only self-sustainable, but made even more cosmic through Mely Wild, probably one of the greatest leads in history. She occasionally lets the boys chime in for some flavor, and it’s welcome, but damn she can wail. Plus, the riffing will give your ears blisters, boosted by relentless double-bass drives and the soaring melodies of the vocals. Production-wise it’s a wonderful mix of aggression and clarity, which gives plenty of space for the bass gallops to merge with various harmonies and solos. Memorable hooks? Yes, of course, and at times with a slight thrash edge to push beyond the typical sound that would connect most bands like this to NWOBHM. More like the NWOMHM (M = Mexican). StarForce is one of the few, perhaps the only band of this type currently from Mexico, that I could easily argue would start a musical revolution. Space is perhaps not as commonly, or so artfully, utilized as a theme, but here the lovely mix of B-level aesthetic with a veritable exploding comet of sound is utterly invigorating to all five senses.
Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls
StarForce – Beyond the Eternal Night
Evil Nöise Records, Jawbreaker Records
Cover Art: Julian Mortuus
4.7 / 5
