Airforce – Acts Of Madness

Airforce
Acts Of Madness
Label: RPM / Roar
Out: February 21^st, 2025
Playing time: 53:32

Airforce are an experienced Heavy Metal band from the British capital London. Founded in 1987, their first creative period lasted until 2001, when the band apparently disbanded. It was not until 2008 that they reunited. It took another eight years until the debut album ‘Judgement Day’ was released in 2016. After two EPs and one single, ‘Strike Hard’ followed in 2020. And one year later, the live album ‘Live Locked n’ Loaded – In Poland Lublin Radio’. The musicians are obviously taking it easy. Two singles have already been released in advance for the third album ‘Acts Of Madness’.

‘Among The Shadows’ rocks out lively right from the start. The riffs and hooks from guitarist Chop Pitman define the song and form the basis for singer Flávio Lino. He sings hard rocking, but also soars to higher pitches. There is also a melodic guitar solo. Heavily distorted vocals are underpinned by a powerful bass melody. ‘Life Turns To Dust’ starts with a knock and a creaking door. And then very rhythmic riffs follow again. The singer has to fight a little to drown them out. In ‘The Fury’, the initial gimmickry is dispensed with. The guitar melody at the beginning is a little reminiscent of Iron Maiden. Flávio Lino discreetly intersperses some high Metal screams. At the beginning of ‘Cursed Moon’ you can hear wolves howling. And do I hear short Maiden quotes again? The drums become somewhat predictable over time. It’s hard to believe that Doug Sampson spent two years drumming with Iron Maiden in the seventies. And later also made guest appearances from time to time. The beginning of ‘Sniper’ naturally fits the theme – rifle shots and reloading. Otherwise, it’s another unagitated guitar-heavy Hard Rock track. The ballad ‘Lost Forever’ offers a first breather. The calm but less accentuated drumming is also fitting here. The relatively high-pitched vocals are often accompanied by acoustic guitar passages. It only gets heavier and louder during the refrain. There is also one of the best guitar solos on the album here. In ‘Westworld’, the riffs immediately bang out of the speakers. And these ensure a high tempo. It brings back memories of Black Sabbath. And they do it again, sound effects at the beginning of ‘Heroes’. This time it’s the wailing of sirens, which is underpinned by riffs. Apart from that, not much else new. However, the good, varied and extended guitar solo then lightens things up. ‘Obliterated’ is a short instrumental piece. The drums sound tinny and somewhat monotonous for long stretches. And you somehow think you’ve heard the riffs before. The same applies to the guitar melody. ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ presents itself as a mid-tempo stomper. Singer Flávio Lino reaches top form once again. The Iron Maiden cover ‘Strange World’ forms the finale. This beautiful ballad is teleported by Airforce in the direction of Doom Metal. The song is much more powerful in places than the original. Once again, the singer is accompanied by acoustic guitars.

I have often drawn comparisons with Iron Maiden. Here’s another one. Singer Flávio Lino often sounds like Bruce Dickinson. I have already mentioned the former drummer of the Iron Maidens. It’s not surprising that the album often sounds like Iron Maiden. But there is also enough room for the band’s own sounds. The two ballads and of course ‘Westworld’ are outstanding, as is ‘Heroes’ to a lesser extent. Otherwise, however, there is also a lot of average. The sound is essentially carried by the singer and guitarist Chop Pitman. The listener is entertained for fifty minutes. But nothing more. Airforce have a lot of potential. But the musicians have to realise it.

Airforce – Westworld: https://youtu.be/hsG4If75aEc?si=vx3V12eRI18I4A3u

Lineup:

Flávio Lino – Vocals
Chop Pitman – Guitars
Tony Hatton – Bass
Doug Sampson – Drums

Track list:

• Among The Shadows
• Life Turns To Dust
• The Fury
• Cursed Moon
• Sniper
• Lost Forever
• Westworld
• Heroes
• Obliterated
• Hacksaw Ridge
• Strange World (Iron Maiden cover)