(c) Marlene Nilsen
Although they have been on the road together since 1999, it is only their fourth album that has been released Souldrainer; her first work in eight years. The Swedes don’t know stress and prefer to take their time to forge their symphonic-melodic Death Metal accordingly. your new work „Departure“ describe it as a journey into your own dark fantasy world, where everything is possible, and where every song is supposed to trigger anger, hopelessness and despair. How charming.
The crushing, darkly melodic force of these nine tracks hits the substance in the best sense of the word. How “Where Angels Come To Die” – leisurely and yet determined – stomps off and gradually unfolds its manic intensity from almost doom-like realms knows how to entertain. Marcus Edvardsson sounds more pissed off than ever, his guttural growls get under your skin. Finally, the refrain unleashes several small melody carpets, supported by symphonic-sacral notes, in its tough mania a grueling as well as sublime experience.
With this almost omnipresent Dark Doom note, Souldrainers drive damn well. So “I Abort You” hints at something Gothic in the verses, the whispering vocals of course play with every cliché and do their job very well. The crushing bouncer “End Of The World” has something of the apocalyptic anthem that unleashes its full destructive power in the second half, while “Council Of Five” reminds at times of more classic melodic death veterans. The title track “Departure” also has some of that at the start, as well as surprisingly fragile insertions.
No revolutionary innovations, instead skilful further development: Souldrainer condense their dark death metal approach and venture further than ever into emotional depths. The constant, consistent play with emotions succeeds, the mind feels increasingly overwhelmed and struggles for composure. Souldrainer lives up to their name, driving the farewell to mental balance on “Depature” with grueling, entertaining precision.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: 09.12.2022
Available through: Black Lion Records
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Souldrainerofficial
Category: Magazin, Reviews
