Band:	Soilwork
Album:	Natural Born Chaos
Style:	Gothenburg metal
Release date:	2002
Guest review by:	Justin

01. Follow The Hollow
02. As We Speak
03. The Flameout
04. Natural Born Chaos
05. Mindfields
06. The Bringer
07. Black Star Deceiver
08. Mercury Shadow
09. No More Angels
10. Soilworker's Song Of The Damned

Last year saw the release of Soilwork's third album 'A Predator's Portrait' and a host of very good reviews. In my eyes, the album was quite good, but The Haunted's 'The Haunted Made Me Do It' stood out as the winner for me.

So when I heard about their new album, 'Natural Born Chaos', the interest was there. What I didn't expect was this! And I mean that in the best possible way!

'Follow The Hollow' blisters the speakers with pure aggression and clarity. Soilwork certainly haven't lost any of the power they possessed on earlier albums. If anything, it seems a little more focused. Then the chorus kicks in. This is where this album will always be known apart from the previous releases. They not only stand out, but also give the songs a more melodic edge.

'As We Speak' (Also the first promotional clip lifted for the album) slows things down, if only a fraction. There are plenty of vocal harmonies that work well in conjunction with the keyboards, yet still retain a full guitar sound.

'The Flameout' is relentless in pounding its message home, and in most part to Henry Ranta's never ending pounding of the drums. This has to be heard live for sure.

The title track 'Natural Born Chaos' features some amazing lead break of amazing clarity. Just what is the secret to recording an album like this without distorting the hell out of everything?

The time changes in 'Mindfields' is very different, while 'The Bringer' is pure thrash.

Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad, Ocean Machine) Trade lead vocals with Speed on one of the best tracks of the album, 'Black Star Deceiver'. Vicious is one word to attach to this track, and brilliant is another one.

'Mercury Shadow' moves at mid pace and is quickly followed by 'No More Angels'. This is without a doubt one of the more melodic tracks on the album.

Final track 'Soilworker's Song Of The Damned' is certainly homage to their producer Devin Townsend. The main riff of the song is so similar to one of Devin's, yet you couldn't call it a rip off as they see Devin as one of their main influences. Again, Devin provides some instrumental help with this track.

While Devin produced the album, he hasn't altered what Soilwork had from the start. He's simply given the band one amazing sounding album and a lot of inspiration.

An album like this would usually be seen as another feather in Devin's production cap. However, I think both Devin and Soilwork will benefit from this album. And in more ways than one.