Music : Versus

Rating: - Time for a Dolving solo album..?
This is another solid effort from such a dependable band. Unfortunately, for me, it's not enough. Yes, the opener, 'Moronic Colossus', is an absolute stormer, and sure to be the big anthem at the next Euro open-air, but when you know their collective brains can deliver so much more, you can't help but feel deflated. The super-tight metalcore riffs are the kind that the Bjorler bros can write in their sleep, and in that respect, it's only the fantastic vocals of Peter Dolving that lift this band above all the others playing this type of music. As we saw with Dolving's previous band, Mary Beats Jane, he brings an interesting sensibility that you don't often get in metal. He can literally scream at the top of his lungs, and yet it stays melodic. Very impressive. Too many people overlook this guy, and instead focus on the tired style of the guitarists. Yes, i have 'Slaughter of the Soul', and yes, it is a classic. But i only want ONE, not a whole army of annoying Gates clones. Metal fans are so conservative, they need to wake up. I want to hear a Peter Dolving solo LP. He is by far the most interesting thing in this band. They should expand on their ( sadly few and far between ) experimental ideas, and not cater to the fans' limited expectations. Think 'Master of Puppets' guys..!

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Rating: - This is The Haunted ripping up the metal scene...again
Wow, this album is really kicking it! What I love about the Haunted is that they are so potent without a million beats a second pounding double bass. Peter just has that perfect frontman voice and potent rock n roll metal that the band perfects makes for such an amazing sound and potency! This album is more aggressive than the previous The Dead Eye and apart from some parts (eg Pieces) doesn't have that emotional quality, but it makes up for it is solid structure where The Dead Eye came accross a bit messy nearer to the end(still a really good album though). This Album is more inline with rEVOLVEr as far as sound and feel in concerned.Stand out tracks for me at the moment PIECES, TRENCHES, CEREMONY, IRON MASK, IMPERIAL...this is considering I've only listened to it twice. It is worth paying the little extra to get the Ltd edition as the 4 tracks are also quite good. No dissappointment here...

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Rating: - The Haunted - Versus - Just buy it.
Another excellent album by these guys. Hugely talented and way too underrated. If you like Metal, put down that disappointing stale badly produced Metallica album and start listening to a band that stay fresh, relevant and far removed from the tired cliche's of the 80's.

The production sounds great, there is a much more live feel to this album which adds to the intensity. The drums sound awesome, stay away from the trigger Per it suits you! The guitars just as dirty and crunchy as ever but still with more than enough clarity that they don't start to sound like a bumble bee in a net curtain. The melodies cut through nicely. Dolving's vocals are just as good as ever too, the guy has something that every Metal vocalist needs - Venom! No point playing agressive music and singing like a choir boy (Hetfield take note). Dolving means every word and he makes you listen.

Not a band for the trendy emo kids that try to pass themselves off as Metallers now.

"No False Pride. No Fashion. No Fake Set Of Values." - Indeed.