Funny album. Melodic death metal played well, with great influence of Dark Tranquillity.

Surprised to see this flying so far under the radar around these parts. I think this is one of the best melodeath albums of the year.

Written by Troy Killjoy on 22.01.2023 at 01:46

Surprised to see this flying so far under the radar around these parts. I think this is one of the best melodeath albums of the year.

I don't know. To me they sound like a copy of Dark Tranquillity circa 2000-2007, but minus DT's ability to deliver at least two or three really great songs on each album. They call it "arcade death metal" and that makes perfect sense as the electronic gimmicks and sound effects in most of the tracks provide a certain recognition value. But that doesn't necessarily mean something good. Some parts sound totally off and odd in a bad way, especially "Chosen Ordeal" was a chore to get through.
The album is in my collection because I'm a Black Lion Records subscriber and that's the only reason I listened to it in its entirety. I really wanted to like it, but unfortunately that didn't happen.

Written by Starvynth on 22.01.2023 at 15:56
I really wanted to like it, but unfortunately that didn't happen.

I don't even remember listening to it earlier in the year but then Spotify recommended "Darkened Fields" in a weekly playlist and it caught me off guard how much I got into it. Then I went and re-listened to the whole thing and now I've got a few earworms from it. I'm trying not to overanalyze it because I'll end up talking myself out of liking it lol

Written by Troy Killjoy on 22.01.2023 at 16:15
I'm trying not to overanalyze it because I'll end up talking myself out of liking it lol

Yeah, that's always the best approach when it comes to personal taste of the moment.
I mean, it's very easy to list countless shortcomings if you didn't like something. But no steak tastes better when you meticulously analyze what is so exciting about the taste of dead animals.
For the record and to avoid any misunderstandings: I'm not a vegetarian.