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AMARANTHE
"The Nexus"
(Spinefarm; 2013)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
This is the second offering from these power metal and
melodic death metal Swedes. "The Nexus" is more plentiful in its approach
because it's got that hard melodic edge to it that causes you dig each track.
Those who embraced their first disc will no doubt be spinning this hook-laden
beast on a daily basis. The trio of vocals still stands out as the highlight and
when guitarist Olof Morck heats up his fingers via his blistering solos you'll
be glad you stuck around for round two.
The first track out of the gates sets the pace for the rest of disc. It's fast,
furious and has plenty of soaring vocals that will have you practicing your
range in the shower, the car and probably when you shouldn't. "The Nexus" has
twelve tracks and if you want some bonus Amaranthe you can snag five more cuts
-- there is an acoustic version of "Afterlife," "Burn With Me," and "Hunger,"
respectively performed, and there is also a remix of "Hunger" as well as an
early track of the song "Leave Everything Behind," which is from their first
disc.
Amaranthe: Elize Ryd - female vocals; Jake E. Lundberg - clean vocals,
co-producer; Andreas Solvestr? - harsh vocals; Olof Morck - guitars and
keyboards, co-producer; Johan Andreassen - bass; Morten L?e S?ensen - drums.
For more information -
http://www.amaranthe.se/.
"Amaranthe"
(Spinefarm; 2011)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Amaranthe are melodic death metal and power metal. They
hail from Sweden. They have a trio of singers: Elize Ryd, Jake E., and Andreas
Solvestr? (who handles the harsh vocals). This was their d?ut disc and it set
some pretty good records all over the world. The guitar on this self-titled disc
is way beyond incredible. Olof Morch plays guitar, presses keys for synth and is
the co-producer, and when he fires a solo out you'll have little or no time to
get out of the way. Olof axe slings for a few other bands, including Nightrage.
The vocal style of Elize Ryd and Jake E. is operatic and they harmonize like the
pros they are. They really carry the vocals and when Andreas comes roaring in he
just shatters the whole thing into dust. The drums are monstrous and the bass
keeps a killer rhythm wall coming at you from start to inevitable finish.
Each one of the songs is fast-paced and you'll be rocking out while singing
along. It's infectious and fans of power metal will have a new poster to put on
their wall via Amaranthe. The hits here are "Hunger" and "Amaranthe."
Amaranthe: Elize Ryd - vocals; Jake E. Lundberg - vocals; Andreas Solvestr? -
harsh vocals; Olof Morck - guitars, keyboards, co-producer, mixing; Johan
Andreassen - bass; Morten L?e S?ensen - drums.
For more information -
http://www.amaranthe.se/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright ? 2014 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
