COLDWORKER
"Rotting Paradise" (Relapse; 2008)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Coldworker, led by former Nasum drummer Anders Jakobson,
is full-fledged grind/death metal hybrid that introduced themselves to the metal
community in 2006 with “The Contaminated Void.” I never did get to hear the full
album, but the track “They Crawl In Me Uninvited” from that debut was a featured
track on Rough Edge Radio. High praise indeed.
Coldworker treads the narrow sonic territory of grind/death metal.
However, four of the five members of Coldworker write for the band. As such the
songs on “Rotting Paradise” feature a multitude of meaty riffs and
precision-laden changes leading to songs that twist, turn, and snake their way
through twelve frantic, energetic, and engaging contemporary grindcore songs.
It’s not quite what one could possibly call “progressive” but it is certainly
inventive and fresh. This kind of songwriting acumen is what separates Coldwork
from their contemporaries.
On “Rotting Paradise,” Coldworker does not completely forsake the blinding speed
of grind. Coldworker’s technical take on death metal is a devastating foray into
music’s unforgiving side while keeping the aggressive precision of grind intact.
As a result “Rotting Paradise” should be a satisfying listen for connoisseurs of
grind and an intriguing listen for fans of death metal looking for something
just a little bit different.
If you enjoyed “The Contaminated Void” you’ll like
“Rotting Paradise.”
“Rotting Paradise” was produced by Coldworker and mixed/mastered by Dan Swano.
Coldworker is Joel Fornbrant on vocals, Anders Bertilsson on guitars, Daniel
Schroeder on guitars, Oskar Palsson on bass, and Anders Jakobson on drums.
For more information visit
http://coldworker.com/.
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 © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised:
14 Oct 2024 14:01:58 -0400
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