Unearthing the Forgotten Legacy: Enforcer (USA) and Their Doom-Infused USPM Masterpiece

We all know Sweden’s incredible Heavy/Speed Metal band, Enforcer, but how many of you are familiar with Enforcer (USA)—the USPM/Doom Metal force from Chicago? With so many bands sharing the name, it's easy to lose track, and let’s be honest, when one Enforcer becomes big, the others often get overshadowed. So, from now on, I’ll refer to the American one as Enforcer (USA). Founded in 1983, this version of Enforcer blends Doom and US Power Metal in a way that might sound odd on paper but works like magic in practice.

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on their compilation album Classic Chicago Metal, which features 5 studio tracks and 7 raw rehearsal/demo tracks. Their sound? Imagine a slow, occasionally melodic doom-filled landscape, with bursts of speed to keep things interesting. Yes, you speed freaks—there’s something here for you too! The album even wraps up with a traditional US heavy metal banger, but overall, it leans heavily into doom territory. The vocals, however, are a powerful contrast—gritty, commanding, and full of strength. No operatic theatrics or vocal acrobatics here—just straight-up, no-nonsense USPM power. You might even recognize the vocals from Fatal Violence, as the late, great Doug Trevison handled vocal duties, leaving behind a legacy of strength and raw talent before his passing in 2022. His voice continues to roar through these incredible tracks.

While it doesn't quite fit the "epic doom" mold, Enforcer (USA) delivers a masterful blend of USPM and Doom. Picture Dungeons Are Calling-era Savatage meets Candlemass (without the operatic vocals), and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect. The album starts with a bone-crushing riff and a more USPM-leaning track, hooking you in with intense riffs, powerful vocal delivery, and a rock-solid rhythm section. As you move into the next two tracks, things get doomy, and they’re packed with grit and edge, taking you on a dark, heavy journey. Unlike some doom releases that can drag, these tracks keep you engaged, with every element fitting together perfectly. After about 15 minutes of doom-laden intensity, they hit you with the high-speed "Born to Avenge," which is an absolute adrenaline rush. It’s a killer song that quickly transitions into one of the nastiest, grooviest US heavy metal tracks I’ve heard—a brilliant way to close out the studio section of the album.

Then you dive into the demo tracks. While they don’t have the same polished production, they’re still worth your time and add to the raw underground feel of the release. The whole album has a unique sound that’s hard to find elsewhere, a true diamond in the rough. It’s been buried in the depths of metal history for too long and deserves to be rediscovered. If you’re a fan of unearthing hidden gems from the '80s, Classic Chicago Metal is an absolute must-listen.

Enforcer (USA) - Salems Curse

This is just a little sneek-peak. I recommend listening to all the tracks!