 Internal Bleeding |  Overdose |
Abominant | Amorphis | Arch Enemy | Carpe Tenebrum | Death Penalty | God Dethroned | Goddess of Desire | Liege Lord | Of The Fallen | Tartaros | Usurper | War | The Mist | Mortification | Ivory Tower | Lefay | Dreamsfear | Dismal Euphony | Dark Tranquility
Rating: 9.5/10
Tracks: Rage, Driven To Conquer, Falling Down, Six Shots In Dallas, Conditioned, Inhuman 99, Invisible, Slavesoul, Anthem For A Doomed Planet
I don't think ANYONE expected this. Although I am a fan of IB's two previous releases, I had NO IDEA that they were capable of the precision and absolute musical terrorism found on Driven To Conquer. Internal Bleeding have managed to revitalize the whole slam-riff death metal genre, taking it to new levels of refinement and brutality.
The title of the opening song, "Rage," perfectly sums up the overall emotion behind the 9 songs that make up what is, undoubtedly, one of the finest death metal releases of the year, if not the decade. Internal Bleeding have come full circle and developed into a monster of monumental proportions. "Clear a path, you motherfucker!" This is one beast you do NOT want to get in the way of... - Al Kikuras
Rating: 9.5/10
Tracks: The Zombie Factory, Children Of War, Dead Clouds, Profit, The Healer, Violence, A Good Day To Die, Powerwish, Beyond My Bad Dreams
Pavement has got themselves a winner here. This is truly a powerful statement that the new boys of thrash can rock just as hard as the oldschoolers. Overdose mix bone-crunching guitar work, with powerful drumming and sick screaming to bring you a masterpiece of thrash mayhem. I have been loosing a lot of sleep trying to figure out why the new bands don't hold up as well as the old greats, well I can get back to sleeping, because Overdose have proven the thrash is back, baby!!! The drummer, Andre Marcio, is a very talented drummer with great feet that pound your skull into the new millennium.
The first song, "The Zombie Factory" has a slow crunching feel to it that really gets you going. Mix in some great solos by guitarists Claudio David and Sergio Cichovicz, and you have a great opening tune. The second song on the album, "Children Of War", is my favorite. Overdose turn it up a notch, increasing the speed and the ferocity of the drumming. "Children" kicks you in the ass and gets stuck. If you aren't hooked by this point, forget it, you wont be. Metal just isn't your cup of tea. Pick up a Ricky Martin CD, and see how that feels. The rest of the album slams home a true winner.
The only reason Circus Of Death isn't getting a 10 out of 10 is because I want to challenge Overdose to do better next time. If I give them a 10/10 this time around, where else is left to go? - Piston Rod.
Abominant - The Way After (Wild Rags, '99)
Rating: 8.5/10
Tracks: The Way After, Taogehtssik, Tomorrows End, Goddess of the Night, The Beauty of Our Savage Ways, Desire, Echoes of Sorrow, Visual Conquest, Severed Dreams
This is very nice to hear. It seems a large amount of death metal of late has meandered off graze in the pastures of all-out vile brutality. Not that there is anything wrong with that particular field, but the true craftsmanship of the genre has suffered as a result. The grass, although satisfying, is just not quite as sweet.
Abominant have come forth with a decidedly clean and polished release that still packs a fuck of a punch. The guitar sound is crisp, almost bright. The production would actually fit a band such as Blind Guardian or Rhapsody quite well, although the music is downright deathly. Put this one on and then listen to Exhumed's Gore Metal to see what I am talking about.
Abominant have managed to harness the elements that made At The Gates' Slaughter of the Soul so damn great: decipherable vocals, thrashy riffs, memorable parts and a dash of melody. Yet, Abominant have deftly avoided the signature Gottenburg sound which, nowadays, seems to have little to do with where you are actually from. This is brutal death metal, through and through, done the way it was meant to be done. A strong album from an excellent band recommended to fans of well written death metal as well as general metal fans that find stuff like Deranged bit hard to stomach. - Al Kikuras
Amorphis - Tuonela (Relapse, '99)
Rating: 6/10
Tracks: The Way, Morning Star, Nightfall, Tuonela, Greed, Divinity, Shining, Withered, Rusty Moon, Summer's End
Considering its multi-faceted nature, Amorphis' third-full length effort Elegy (released in '96) was certainly a work of art to behold. Combining the psychedelic atmosphere of 70's Rock n' Roll, the technical edge of Progressive Hard Rock, and the soulful side of folk music, Amorphis redefined the term "Atmospheric Metal." Furthermore, considering its humble beginnings as a simple hybrid of Doom and Death Metal (think back to Disembowelment), it's amazing how such
a dramatic evolution has allowed this Finnish quintet to branch out without compromising any of it's integrity and/or success they have gained thus far. Sadly, however, Tuonela, Amorphis' 4th full length effort, is somewhat of a letdown and surprisingly enough, it appears that they have even inhibited themselves quite a bit rather than expanding on some of the progressive elements they hinted at last time around. Although, I can't put my finger on it exactly, it almost seems that these gentleman have opted to take the easy way out by playing it safe this time around.
For instance, upon first listen to the opening track, entitled "The Way," you can immediately sense from the subtle ambience of keyboards and effects that you can expect the usual Pink Floyd-inspired songwriting that has already been perfected by the likes of Tiamat, Moonspell, The Gathering, etc. Furthermore when it finally begins to pick up, all you're left with is a typical upbeat rocker highly reminiscent of Sin-era Moonspell. Gripes aside, however, kudos must be given to the vocals which are remarkably harmonious and soulful as opposed to the more gruff Death Metal-ish growls they were more prone to using on the last three releases before this. The second song, "Morning Star," begins with more of a bouncy riff, complete with distorted wah wah pedal which adds more of a 70's funk vibe. Again, the keyboards tend to be overwhelming and almost drown out everything around it. Then there's the middle eastern vibe of "Nightfall" that provides a haunting backdrop with its howling clarinet and frenetic riffs. Perhaps one of the more memorable moments has to be the 9th track, "Rusty Moon" which is the most catchiest with its medieval folk-like arrangements (just check out the flute on this one) otherwise, the rest is pretty much redundant filler material. In fact, when listening to the other 7 songs or so, I have often questioned whether or not these were just left over studio tracks carried over from the band's last session together. Thus a totally uninspiring listening experience indeed.- Envenomed
Arch Enemy - Burning Bridges (Century Media, '99)
Rating: 9/10
Tracks: The Immortal, Dead Inside, Pilgrim, Silverwing, Demonic Science, Seed of Hate, Angelclaw, Burning Bridges
Ahhhhh. Metal, glorious metal! Burning Bridges is my first encounter with Arch Enemy and I am pleased to say that it is not a meeting I will soon forget. This is well-crafted, aggressive metal in the vein of Carcass' amazing Heartwork and At The Gates' Slaughter of the Soul. What Arch Enemy bring to the party that both aforementioned acts did not is the occasional uplifting, grandiose passage akin to Helloween's Keeper of the Seven Keys, Part II (sans the clean vocals). For example, listen to track #4, "Silverwing." That is about as well-written as a metal song gets and the refrain along with the solo break and lead melody just tug at the core of my being that lusts for metal. Ditto for "Demonic Science" (I'll be damned if the music behind the second section of the refrain isn't taken directly from "25 or 6 to 4.") The leads on this entire album are just incredible and the songs are completely memorable. This is an utterly satisfying album in every way and one that I know I will come to love with time and repeat listenings. I look forward to a long, fruitful relationship with Burning Bridges and am anticipating getting to know it's every moment and note by heart. - Al Kikuras
Carpe Tenebrum - Mirrored Hate Painting (Hammerheart, '99)
Rating: 7/10
Tracks: The Abyss's Mystic Hate, Lured Like You Thought, The Painting, Mirrored In Scarry Skies, And Forever, Ludus, Void Dress, Dreaded Chaotic Reign
Normally, I love violent and fast black metal like this, but the fault with Carpe Tenebrum's Mirrored Hate Painting is that nothing new is offered. Although I consider myself a hardcore fan of the genre, when there is absolutely no deviation from the path that a band's predecessors have already paved, I find myself yawning. If you're new to black metal and everything with screeching vocals excites you (ala me 4 or 5 years ago) then you might eat this one up, but it fails to excite my seasoned ears.
Points do go to the band for their abilities. There is no questioning the fact that these boys can play, but the black metal genre is saturated to the point where it is time to shit or get off the pot. Create or step aside and let someone else come to the plate. - Al Kikuras
Death Penalty - Conviction (Wild Rags, '99)
Rating: 8/10
Tracks: Race of Hate (Bred Unto Ignorance), With Conviction (Self Pride), Suppressed (Salinas), An So I Die With... Regret (Years Of Tears), Not Enough Time (The Struggle Within), Blind Society (The Truth Will Set You Free), Unspoken, Surreal, False Life (Living For Nothing)
Goood, heavy stuff! Most fans of underground music (scorn Pantera), but I (for one) love 'em. Death Penalty sound like a (less-dynamic) Pantera with (a bit more) of a leaning towards hardcore. I like (this album) a lot more than I expected.
There is not much (to) it as far as dynamics and/or (surprises). Just plain 'ol heavy stuff. Grooving, aggressive screamed vocals. This is like a steak and potatoes. Nothing surprising, but still very satisfying. - Al Kikuras
God Dethroned - Bloody Blasphemy (Metal Blade, '99)
Rating: 8.5/10
Tracks: Serpent King, Nocturnal, The Execution Protocol, Boiling Blood, A View of Ages, Soul Capture 1562, Under the Golden Wings of Death, Firebreath, Bloody Blasphemy
Holland's God Dethroned play a mixture of death, black and thrash metal, combining heaviness with melody. Sound familiar? It should, considering that 90% of Swedish bands in the last few years have been described this way.
Saying they have the "Swedish sound" is certainly accurate, but God Dethroned is a bit different. While most of the Swedish bands are saddled with a slick, treble heavy production and weak low-end, God Dethroned's mix sounds sharper and more aggressive. This combined with their ease in transition between extreme speed and traditional melodic sections makes Bloody Blasphemy a treat for the ears.
The star of the band is founding member Henri Sattler, who is both the singer and one of the guitarists. His harsh black metal style vocals sound like he has been gargling with battery acid, and his melodic leads combine sorrow and beauty perfectly, painting the mental picture of a bloody sunset. The rest of the band is talented as well, backing Henri up admirably on blazing opener "Serpent King," "The Execution Protocol," and album highlight "Soul Capture 1562."
God Dethroned aren't reinventing the wheel, but they do have a unique spin on Swedish black/death that is different enough to get them some deserved attention. Any fan of death and black should enjoy this release. - Scott
Goddess of Desire - Symbol of Triumph (Metal Blade, '99)
Rating: 4/10
Tracks: Blasphemic Beasts Convoked, Infernal Bestialities, Diabolic Demolition, Ride, Whimps & Bastards, Metal Forever, Worship Me, Brother To Brother, , Ruina Regnorum, Live For Metal, Heaven & Hell
Old school revivalism is definitely the flavor in the underground right now and Goddess of Desire are riding the wave with their pants around their ankles.
Take two parts Venom, one part Motorhead and you've got the combination. What you don't have is the perchant for writing memorable songs that Venom did, or the feeling of total chaos that both bands evoked. Sure, G.O.D. have the sound licked (the crappy bass lead in "Diabolic Demolition" just SCREAMS Cronos...), but whereas Venom was a soup sandwich because they didn't know any better (or just didn't care) it seems obvious to this listener that G.O.D.'s foray into those waters is calculated. As a result, all the charms of their mentors are lost and the album winds up sounding like re-hashed retro spunk. Listen to "Ride" for example. If that doesn't sound almost EXACTLY like Motorhead (right down to Lemmy's vocals), I'll eat a rock. A big one.
All that said, I have to admit that G.O.D. look like they'd put on a hell of a live show, but on disc I just ain't buying it. While there is the occasional gem ("Blaspheme Beasts Convoked," for example) it all gets to be far too tedious after 50+ minutes of zero imagination and winds up not being half as much fun as the cover had me hoping it would be. Give me Welcome To Hell instead. Why accept an imitation when you can have the genuine article? - Al Kikuras
Liege Lord - Master Control (Metal Blade, '88 - re-released '98)
Rating: 10/10
Tracks: Fear Itself, Eye of the Storm, Master Control, Kill The King, Soldier's Fortune, Feel The Blade, Broken Wasteland, Rapture, Suspicion, Fallout
With the array of bands surfacing nowadays that emulate the masters of old, there are few that can actually hold up to the originals (see Piston's many slagging reviews on this very page). If you are a nouveau metalhead that is eating up all the new blood and wondering why we old fogies dislike so much of it, well, here is your answer.
Liege Lord ARE one of the originals... one of the true masters of the metal genre that, somehow, slipped between the cracks. Luckily for those of you wet behind the ears, Metal Blade went ahead and re-released the jewel in Liege Lord's crown, Master Control, on disc. Lucky for me as well, as the original cassette I have from '88 was due to warp or break any day now.
THIS is what metal is all about: GREAT SONGS! Before there was the need to be faster, heavier, eviler, more brutal or shocking than the competition, bands like Liege Lord, Cirith Ungol, Deadly Blessing and Powermad penned some great plain 'ol metal tunes that would put 99% of today's so-called metal bands to shame. Listen to the opening track, "Fear Itself." The definition of "metal masterpiece!" There is not a single clunker in the bunch, ladies and gentlemen, and there is a reason this album will forever retain "classic" status in the annals of metal. IT DESERVES TO BE THERE!!
Now, if they would only reunite and do it all over again... - Al Kikuras
Be sure to check out the official Liege Lord web page!
Of The Fallen - s/t (Wild Rags, '99)
Rating: 9/10
Tracks: From The Depths, Thou Art The Flame, Shores of the Damned, Days of Infernal Insanity, Spirits of the Dark Waters, Outro
Don your spikes, jam your fist in the air... this is true underground metal in every sense of the word. Austin, TX's Of The Fallen have harnessed the symphonic black metal beast and crammed a big 'ol spiked death metal fist right down its fucking throat!
This demo-pressed on CD has production befitting, well... a demo, but it really adds to the overall atmosphere of this release. Keyboards are used liberally, which usually sets my "Oh fuck!!" alarm going, as symphonic black metal tends to leave me scrambling for my Marduk albums, but Of The Fallen have not forgotten what the primary element of black metal is METAL! The music is guitar-driven death-tinged black metal with lots of blasts, abundant double bass and very tasty use of melody. Of The Fallen have managed to meld the two genres perfectly and are currently vying for the crown along with NJ's Warhead and the Louisiana one-man project, Bloodshed Divine. Highly recommended, this one! - Al Kikuras
Tartaros - The Grand Psychotic Castle (Necropolis '99)
Rating: 6/10 (old stuff), 8.5/10 (new tracks)
Tracks: Intro*, Dark Red Light Upon the Bomos, Images of the Mystic Sphere, Tones Towards the Empyrean, The Grand Psychotic Castle, Into the Faculty of Wonderful Secrets*, Llizidah's Hypnotic Children Waltz*
(* denotes new track)
Tartaros is the one man project of Charmand Grimlock (why is he named after a Dinobot?), mostly known for being the live keyboard player for Emperor. The Grand Psychotic Castle is actually a re-release of the '96 EP, with a newly recorded intro and two new tracks tacked on to the end, intended to stir up interested for the new full length coming later this year.
As for the '96 material, it may have seemed experimental for black metal at the time, but a lot has changed in three years. It is fairly standard Norwegian black metal with omnipresent keyboards similar in style to Emperor (surprise!). It is engineered by the mighty Pytten for maximum sound quality, and I'm sure Norway devotees will love it. However, I cannot recommend it to anyone else on the strength of the older material.
The real treats are the extra tracks. "Intro" is a brilliant piece of keyboard madness which built my expectations very high, only to be let down by the following four tracks of older, less original material. Thankfully I was rewarded after those by the two new tracks, which can be described as experimental, intriguing, and challenging. "Into the Faculty of Wonderful Secrets" combines extreme black metal with traditional and classical elements, similar to Arcturus. The best track is "Llizidah's Hypnotic Children Waltz," which is not heavy at all but very disturbing. It consists of the keyboard weaving a symphonic melody with occasional accompanyment by an eerie, ghostly children's choir punctuated by shrieks of pain and terror.
Given Grimloch's musical growth in the last few years, it was a smart move to re-release this EP and give the world a taste of the new Tartaros. Based on the strength of the new tracks, I'll be eagerly awaiting the full length. - Scott
Usurper - Usurper II: Skeletal Season (Necropolis '99)
Rating: 8.5/10
Tracks: Shadowfiend, Dismal Wings of Terror, Skeletal Season, Embrace of the Dead, Prowling Death (The Demigoddess), Cemetarian, Brimstone Fist, Wolflord
Usurper have returned with a full-length slab of crushing Celtic Frost (who else??)-inspired riffs, forged with the finest elements of black metal. You know the drill. Anyone that is familiar with Usurper's previous releases (Diabolosis and Threshold of the Usurper) knows what to expect. If you were a fan then, you will be a fan now!
The vocals range from total Tom Warrior emulation to a black metal screech that'll have your nuts crawling back up into your stomach. The bass-heavy mix calls back to Morbid Tales and I can't help but feel that old twinge of excitement when I hear Usurper chugging along on tracks like the monstrous "Cemetarian." This is testosterone-laden, balls-out death metal. Fist bang, head bang, mosh, make the sign of the horns... old school death metal still rules and as long as Usurper are around we shan't forget it! - Al Kikuras
War - We Are War (Necropolis '99)
Rating: 9/10
Tracks: War, We Are War, Soldiers of Satan, Rapture, Ave Satan, Kill God, 666, Infernal, Hell, Execution, Bombenhagel
War was another in the string of It's numerous side projects, but since It left the black metal scene the War has continued stronger than ever. This time around the lineup is All (Vondur, Opthalamia) on vocals, Blackmoon (ex-Dark Funeral and Necrophobic) on guitar, Impious (In Aeturnum) on bass and Lars Szoke (Hypocrisy) on drums, topped off with production courtesy of Peter Tagtgren and The Abyss. While most side project bands contain only one major player, one can see that War is the definition of "supergroup."
We Are War serves up 11 tracks in 26 minutes. The music is old-school black metal hatred, which while not complicated is expertly played. The songs are fast and short, most not reaching the three minute mark. Imagine Venom combined with ancient Bathory, multiply the speed by 100, add in state of the art production, and you will have a good idea of what to expect. There are no weak links, but my personal favorite songs are "Ave Satan," "666," and the excellent cover of Sodom's "Bombenhagel."
Incidentally, this project has been on ice since '97, as there is some type of legal struggle going on between Blackmoon and Necropolis Records. Without going in to specifics, Blackmoon alleges that this album is of "bootleg" quality and urges everyone not to buy it, while Necropolis claims they paid for the recording and own the rights to release it. There are a couple of instances on the album where songs cut off or faded out early, sometimes in the middle of verses; however, that is the only indication I had that this album wasn't completely finished. I highly recommend We Are War to all new and old style black metal fans. - Scott
The Mist - Gottverlassen (Pavement, '99)
Rating: 8.5/10
Tracks: Fangs Of A Pig, Drop Dead, Godforsaken, Switch Off The Body Suckers, Jesus Land, Unite Me, Pump, Jailmind Man, Eyes, Devilscreen, Breath Of Nothing
The Mist are a very good thrash metal outfit from Pavement Records. Pavement seem to really know talent when they hear it. First Overdose, and now The Mist. I am very happy that thrash is coming back so strong. The Mist are not as good as Overdose, but they are good in their own right. The lead singing is a garbled, mumbly type of screaming, and the guitar sound is very crunchy. The songs are good and hate filled, which is a plus.
"Drop Dead" is a good 'fuck you' song, and "Switch Off The Body Suckers" is a humorous slab of evil hatred. A strong release from a band that will have a long career if they can continue to grow and improve on their next album. - Piston Rod
Mortification - Hammer Of God (Metal Blade, '99)
Rating: 8.7/10
Tracks: Metal Crusade, Martyrs, Lock Up The Night, In The Woods, A Pearl, Hammer Of God, Liberal Mediocrity, Extreme Conditions, Ride The Light, D.W.A.M. Bonus Tracks: Medley, God Rulz, At War With War - 97 Demo Version, Visited By An Angel - 97 Demo Version, Unified Truth - 97 Demo Version, Metal Crusade - Instrumental Version
This is some good thrash metal. Very raw sound that I like. These guys throw down some crushing grooves. They rock hard and heavy, and hark back the good old days of bay area thrash. I like 'em. Not a masterpiece, but something I will listen to again.
The song "Metal Crusade" that starts off the album really let's you know where these guys are coming from. They are here to play metal, and fuck anyone who doesn't like it. Sounds good to me.
Metal Blade has been doing some good things recently. I have been happy with most of the things I've been hearing. They have another winner here. I hope Mortification continue to improve and expand their ideas. Perhaps they will put out a great masterpiece one day, and I will be there to enjoy. Long Live Metal! - Piston Rod.
Ivory Tower - Ivory Tower (LMP '99)
Rating: 9/10
Tracks: One Life In Asia, A Distant Light, Alive, Falling Leaves, Spring, She, Music, Blinded
Ivory Tower are one of the most talented bands that have come across my desk recently. They would be a shoe-in for album of the month, and would be a perfect 10/10 if not for one BIG problem I have with the band...the lead singer. Andre Fischer sings high notes well, so there is no problem there. He also has a nice voice, no problem there. The problem is that he has no balls. He is a terribly weak singer. He doesn't blow you away, the way people like Bruce Dickinson, (old) Rob Halford, or Eric Adams do. The music is so good and the band so talented that I have been able to overlook this one fact and like the album anyway. I listen to it often. When Andre isn't singing, the band plays some really great power metal, but when Andre starts singing, it's like someone lets the wind out of the sails of the Jolly Roger. A power metal singer music control the music, must be the driving force behind the music, slay the listener with high notes, drill into his soul with lower notes, and dictate the flow of the music. Andre doesn't. He's like a little boy who's afraid to leave his mother's side. Screw you, Andre. Grow some balls. - Piston Rod.
Lefay - The Seventh Seal (Noise '99)
Rating: 3/10
Tracks: End Of Living, The Seventh Seal, I Am, The Boon He Gives, Moonlit Night, Child Of Time, Harga, So Strange, As Far As I Can Go, Shadow Empire
That's it I quit. I am so sickened by the genre of music know as power metal. It fucking sucks. Very very few of the bands that are coming out now are worth my time to even review. Most sound exactly the same: copying each other idea for idea.
I must apologize to Noise Records. I have ripped apart almost every power metal album they have sent me, but it's for their own good. If I gave them fluff reviews then they wouldn't know that they were fucking up BIG. Well, Lefay is the straw that broke the camels back. This is one of the most disappointing metal albums I have ever heard. From this point on Lefay will be know as LeFag!!
I has heard that this was a great power metal band, so when I put the album on I was set to love it. The drumming and the singing are awful. The guitar sound it weak. The melodies are second grade level, and every song is exactly the same. God, take this crap away. - Piston Rod.
Dreamsfear - Prelude To Destiny (Ill Omen Records, '98)
Rating: 9/10
Tracks: Ruins, Bleak Horizons, As Darkness Falls, Burning Bridges
Prelude To Destiny is a very ambitious demo from a very talented group. This demo is very well produced, and I hope someone picks these guys up soon. I can't wait for a full length effort from these guys. Talent comes though clearly as Dreamsfear create some very enjoyable thrash, old school style. Don't get me wrong. Theses guys aren't doing anything new...yet. I believe they will develop their own sound and vision given the right opportunities, but for now they are showing us the potential they possess.
There are certain cheesy elements that both add to and take away from the overall effectiveness of the music. Lyrics like "You'll know it's true when we kick in your door/ You'll know it's real when your head hits the floor" are funny to an extent, but then they give me douche chills. I don't hold that against them though.
The first song, "Ruins," is the best. I am also very happy that Dreamsfear are bringing back the longer songs format, with an average song length of 8 minutes. Hey labels, someone pick these guys up NOW. My personal choice would be Pavement Records, I really like those guys. - Piston Rod.
Dismal Euphony - All Little Devils (Nuclear Blast '99)
Rating: 2/10
Tracks: Days Of Sodom, Rage Of Fire, Victory, All Little Devils, Lunatic, Psycho Path, Shine For Me, Misery, Scenario, Dead Words
Holy shit, this is bad. This is bad with tofu on top. This is so bad that I took a big smelly dump and it sounded better than this garbage. This is some of the worst...
Never mind, no body cares anyway. Listen, you fagots will probably give these guys awards or something. You all tend to feel completely opposite of the way I feel, so go out and buy this.
Let me tell you why I hate it. The music is good, it has kind of an upbeat doom metal feel to it. That's fine. There is the prerequisite doom metal singer, and he's fine. So, now we get to the problem. There is this second singer, a girl. Woooooo bad. It wouldn't be bad if she sang in a doom metal voice, or tried at all to add anything to the music, but she sings in a kind of "sad girl" type of voice. I can't explain it, so I'll use some metaphors. It's like when your girlfriend knows she is wrong, but insists that she is right. It's like when your mom knocks on the door while you are jerking off, and tells you that your grandmother is on the phone and wants to say "hi". It's like when your dog humps your leg and for a millisecond you kind of like it and debate not pushing him away. It's like being propositioned for sex by the big fast smelly old lady that lives at the end of the block, and then doing it.
It sucks. - Piston Rod.
Dark Tranquility - Projector (Century Media, '99)
Rating: 4/10
Tracks: FreeCard, ThereIn, UnDo Control, Auctioned, To a bitter halt, The sun fired blanks, Nether novas, Day to end, Dobermann, On your time
It is a shame when a good band aspires to too much. It happens. A lot. Especially lately. It seems all these black metal bands have decided that they want to go melodic and (ugggghhhhhh) sing. Problem is, most of 'em can't hold a tune.
Although Mikael Stanne from Dark Tranquility does stay in key, what he lacks when it comes to clean vocals is any kind of balls. His growl/scream is fierce enough, but when he goes to the clean voice he just comes off sounding pretentious. The music mimics what is going on vocally... the heavy parts are heavy, but the melodic breaks just come off sounding contrived. This is like if Type O Negative (the later years) decided to go black metal. Definitely not my thing. Rather than being amazed at the "diversity" of the band, I am just struck with a profound sense of disappointment whenever they stray from the heavier realms. It is possible to do the melodic thing and still be HEAVY. I am not talking heavy in the traditional sense, but heavy as far as still having a bold impact on the listener. A non-metal artist that has mastered this skill is (are you ready for this one??) Tori Amos. Yes, Tori Amos mentioned in a black/death metal review. Guess that means I am going to hell. Or heaven?
Skip this one and save your green for Century Media's other new release, Arch Enemy. You can't go wrong there... - Al Kikuras
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