There are times when a dirty slice of white bread with salted butter is just what is needed. It is not something you will want too often in your diet, but occasionally, it is just the thing to sate the craving appetite. Now, I’m not saying that the Danes Steel Inferno are white bread. But their European Speed Metal is something likely to be ravenously consumed in minutes rather than something to linger over and absorb every morsel.
Steel Inferno – Rush Of Power (From The Vaults)
Release Date: 29 November 2024
Words: Paul Hutchings
Twelve years into their formation, there is an underlying quality to the band that resonates with my younger self. It may be because of their traditional style. It may be because their Speed assault ticks many boxes that young Hutch would have loved. Or it may be because their endeavour and energy simply stirs those baser instincts.
Regardless, Rush Of Power works in many ways.
By all accounts, Steel Inferno moved away from their earlier sound, which was akin to early Priest and Accept style Metal in 2022’s Evil Reign, drawing in the Power Metal of Jag Panzer and Helstar, amongst others.
Three albums down, and this is the one that pushes them along to the next level. 
Rush Of Power is an album that draws from bands such as Running Wild, Metal Church, Exodus, Kreator, and even Agent Steel. Uncompromisingly classic in sound, this is a hybrid Thrash and Speed Metal collection which explodes over nine songs in 34 minutes.
Duelling guitars, frantic drumming and soaring vocals all dive into the mix, producing a retro sound that is warming and thoroughly enjoyable, providing you take it with the required pinch of salt and leave that elitist attitude in the toilet.
There is nothing complex or progressive about The Abyss or the frenetic Cut Down By The Chainsaw, but if you want something to shake the dandruff out, then this Heavy Metal sound is most definitely one for you.
The switch of tempo is not extreme, for most of Steel Inferno’s pace is 100mph, as you discover on Electrocuter, an interesting name which is simple in message – killed by electricity!
In essence, every track here is classic Speed Metal. Chris Rostoff’s vocals are the ideal fit for this band. He is capable of spitting out lyrics, hitting the heights on the screams and displaying that vocal style that the much-missed David Wayne and the likes of Zetro Souza bring to songs on tracks like The Blitz. It has savageness but with an edge of melody.
Add on some exemplary Heavy Metal lead work from founder Lars Lyndorff and Jens Andersen, and you are onto a winner. There is nothing revolutionary about this album, but its honesty, performance and overall gusto propel it into an album that has done exactly what it needed to do.
While I do enjoy that evening out savouring those delicious meals, the Steel Inferno sandwich provides just the right bite here.
