To Die For CD Reviews

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TO DIE FOR

"All Eternity" (Nuclear Blast/Spinefarm)

Not too long ago I stated that Finland and Sweden were producing more great metal bands per capita than any other countries - To Die For is proof of that statement. To Die For's gothic, melodic metal proves that Finland can match Sweden for sheer talent on the metal front. The metal community is very lucky that Nuclear Blast has licensed this disc from Spinefarm for a domestic U.S. release.

After releasing a series of self-financed mini-CDs under a different name To Die For have released "All Eternity" as the band's full-length debut. Comparisons to Sentenced and Katatonia are inevitable - To Die For's approach is nearly identical to these two majestic melancholic stalwarts. However, those similarities shouldn't prevent metal fans from hearing To Die For's enticing mix of somber elegance and melodic hooks.

The majority of the material has a strong underpinning of classic melodic metal as only Europeans can do. A great emphasis on a variety of paces and mixture of guitars and keyboards even suggests that radio airplay wouldn't be out of the question if only programmers had the guts to expand out of their narrow comfort zones.

To Die For strike a chord when they play up-tempo, mid-paced songs like "Live In You," "Dripping Down Red," "Sea Of Sin," and "Together Complete." To Die For's songs alternate between a solid rhythmic intensity with porcelain doll-like fragility in both mood and spirit.

Superb lyrics and vocals make "All Eternity" a must listen. The vocals have Scandinavian overtones with an odd flavor of English Goth rock - there are no guttural growls or throaty excursions which is a plus. Additional female vocals by the insanely talented Kimberly Goss (Sinergy) and Elisa Jokelin complement the band with flair. The lyrics deal with the wearing away of hope in the face of everyday events, yet just like Sentenced, there seems to be a glimmer of optimism no matter how bad the situation might get. It reminds me of watching the setting sun only to realize that the sun will rise yet again the next morning.

I expect great things from To Die For as Finland is a land of musical promise for those of us in the metal community.

"All Eternity" was produced by To Die For and mixed by Mikko Karmila (Children Of Bodom, Stratovarious).

To Die For is Japo Peratalo on vocals, J.P. Sutela on guitars, Joonas Koto on lead guitars, Miikka Kuisma on bass, and Tonmi Lillmann (Sinergy) on drums.

For more information visit http://www.nuclearblast.de.

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.

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