Morbus Chron - Sweven
This is not the type of Death Metal record one would expect from a band whose moniker is a tongue-in-cheek nod to a bowel disorder. These Stockholm upstarts owe more to the likes of Opeth and Dissection than they do to Entombed or Grave on album #2. The title of this kid-gloves-off sophomore outing —meaning roughly “to dream”— is very apropos, as Sweven is certainly on the dreamier side of the Death Metal spectrum, which by no means implies weakness. More like a penchant for wandering off into Proggier —some might even argue psychedelic— territories. Fortunately for the listener, focus is retained more often than not, and Robert Andersson’s twisted Marc Grewe-circa-Odium snarl is always lurking around the corner to remind us this is, in fact, the Metal of Death. A very raw production also assists to curtail any hint of pretension that might seep through. Quite frankly, it’s hard not to be impressed by Andersson and Edvin Aftonfalk’s roaming virtuoso axemenship. If any guitar team could ever lend validity to the dreaded act of navelgazing, this just might be the duo to do so. They effortlessly channel the adventurous spirit of Morningrise on instant standout “Chains,” while the shimmering majestic melody of “Towards a Dark Sky” sounds like some lost hook from The Somberlain. Elsewhere, “It Stretches in the Hollow” recalls the schizophrenic moodiness of Pan-Thy-Monium, and just try not to get lost in the apocalyptically emotive clean-guitar passages of instrumental closer “Terminus.” I suppose my only real complaint would be the somewhat scant use of vocals. Andersson clearly graduated with honors from the Schuldiner School of Death Metal Vokills —possibly under Professor Van Drunen— and I often find myself wishing he’d use that highly effective tool more consistently. (Just a verse or two on the aforementioned “Terminus” in particular would’ve really sealed the deal for me.) This slight lack of vocal direction on such a boundless musical odyssey tends to create a bit of a mind-wandering situation at times, specifically on the latter half of the album. Nevertheless, a career-defining breakthrough effort from a promising young quartet with the balls and chops to shake up the NWOOSSDM blueprint.
(0) Comment(s)
Page 1 of 1 pages