This album is a audio cliche, which is definitely a good thing in this case. The cliche of which I speak of is the default answer that is always given by a band when asked about their upcoming album. Which usually goes like this, Interviewer: "So tell us about your new record, [INSERT TITLE]." Band Member: "Well, ya know we really just wanted to take whole different direction with this record. It doesn't sound like anything we've ever done before. But you can still tell it's us, its still got our sound."
This album has the band getting back to their roots, while exploring new territory both musically and vocally. Partly due to two new/old guitarists joining the band. The new guitarist, Sylvain Coudret joined back in 2008 shortly after the release of their 7th album. And the other new guitarist, Peter Wichers joined last year, which makes him the newest member, but since he started the band back in 1995, he's the older member. Confused? Yeah, me too. Wichers, left the band back in 2005 to pursue a music career in the producing side of things. Apparently after hearing their last album Sworn to a Great Divide, realized his band needed him back to steer them back to the right course. Not that that album was bad, it just wasn't a "Soilwork" album. So he made his triumphant return and with the help of Sylvain Coudret they really tear shit up!!
Peter Wichers isn't the only member to return to the band; even though he technically never left, drummer Dirk Verbeuren has made his mark as one the best drummers in music. Never slacking in the percussion department, he seemed to have always been told to hold back on intensity on previous records. BUT NOT ON THIS RECORD!! He kicks the drums {pardon the pun} into high gear.
With that said, here's what we're all here for...the songs.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Track 1: Late for the Kill, Early for the Slaughter- Yep, there it is. That signature Soilwork sound. Crisp distorted bluesy guitar, machine gun vocals and intense drums.
Track 2: Two Lives Worth Reckoning- The first single released, a solid song that wastes no time getting to the melodic singing chorus.
Track 5: Night Comes Clean- A song very reminiscent to the Natural Born Chaos album. A highly groove oriented tune. You'll see what I mean.
Track 7: Let This River Flow- Here's a prime example of their new direction with songwriting and structure. An almost power metal ballad that quickly brings it back to the aggressiveness.
Track 8: Epitome- Example numero dos on the new direction. The verse riff sounds a bit like a Carcass homage.
Track 10: Enter Dog of Pavlov- A very cleverly titled song that showcases the whole band as to just what they've evolved into in 15 years. A song that touches on the past elements of Natural Born Chaos, Figure Number Five, Stabbing the Drama and even Sworn to a Great Divide.
I know you're probably thinking, "how can he write a review of the songs and members and not mention co-founder, vocalist and gargantuan Swede, Bjorn "Speed" Strid??!!" Well, here you go...Bjorn "Speed" Strid.
4.75/5.0
