I love when this happens: Out of the blue, a CD lands on my desk, and it's like...perhaps you know the feeling? This was the CD I needed right here and right now.

The CD is 'With These Fists' by Norwegian band Forgery, and there's actually nothing extraordinary about it; there are no female vocals, flutes, violins, harps, bagpipes, church choires, orchestras, organs or anything of the sort. No fusion, no jazz, hip hop, classical, folk - nothing, just plain, modern thrash.

And when I first flicked this into the player in my car the other day, I felt a kind of relief. As much as I love all sorts of metal and variation, there was something in this that felt a bit like coming home. I know, I know, I have several homes from differnt phases of my 'career' as a metal fan, but in this case I'm referring to the home of circa 1995, when Prong, Machine Head and Sepultura had a lot to do with my musical taste. Forgery come from a sphere where these three bands are the kings of the world, and it's hard not to like it - especially because the Norwegians haven't just copied their sources of inspiration. They have their own sound and coolness.

'With These Fists' is a no frills attached, staccato riffing and drumming powerhouse with an excellent thrash/slightly hardcore inspired voice in front. Anyway you toss and turn this album, it's the epitome of solidness and clout in terms of song writing and performance, and it's an album you want to return to over and over again. Faboulous album!