Mats Levin is a vocalist who has appeared on seemingly squillions of records. I’m sure you have at least one album in your collection with a song where he lends his voice to (do a search and you will be amazed). But, this is the first time he is the head honcho on his own project playing guitar and keys, as well as that very distinctive voice.
Progressive metal encompasses a very wide breadth of musical styles. I would definitely put this album in the progressive metal box, but we do veer off into folk and norse melody, as well as the expected metallic crunch. This is not an album that immediately connects straight away, you have listen to this over and over because this is an album that keeps on giving with every listen.
Mats is not a squealer or a wailer, he has a very expressive voice and knows how to write a killer melody and hook. Highlights for me are The Not Forgotten and Wake Up To The Truth because they both have a great groove and killer vocals, but my favourite track is For Or Against. With a quirky marching style riff and groove, and Mats giving it the full beans on toast. This is the track that took the longest for me to latch onto and I just love it.
I do like to be challenged with an album and I found this record very rewarding, and I still do.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
