I admit to not knowing diddly squat about this band, as this was the product of me late night surfing the internet for interesting new tunes. It always seems to be Sweden that has the killer bands, and these guys were formed there in ’96. This album is from 2017 and is a monster record full of huge riffs and killer grooves.
Announcing The End is a freaking epic opener, with a to-die-for riff and groove – with the added bonus of a massive hook. Nickelback keeps coming into my head, but I guess that’s the clean vocal tone in Fredrik’s voice. Then again, they also remind me of equal parts Sabbath, Metallica, and their countrymen, Mustasch. Next track up is Damnation, which has that deep Sabbath rumble mixed with a deep heavy riff. Whatever Come May Be starts quite slow with a deep heavy drum and bass groove and a superb dramatic vocal – a very melodic killer tune. Vindication opens up with a killer riff and vibe that makes you want to bounce, and that Nickelback reference is here again. The Trigger follows and the riff is very up-tempo Sabbath – this is my favourite tune on the album. Breathe In The Fire starts real slow and doomy with a great vocal, and the Iommi style solo is cool. One Last Breath is quite a simple repeating riff – I would say this is the most commercial sounding track on the record. To The One has a great (almost Indian style) drum pattern with a D-tuned simple riff, and a huge hook and chorus. The Dark Appeal starts as heavy as hell with a really low riff and death style vocal. We Are Forever is Children Of The Grave, until the hook and chorus kick in. The album closes out with Truth Is A Lie, and is very close to being the best track on the album.
I love finding bands that are new to me, and I got a real buzz hearing this for the first time.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
