 This CD comes complete with silly metal songs names like "Distortion Sleep," "Rejection Role," and other equally nonsensical names that are supposed to be intimidating. But this is still a good CD. Don't pay attention to the names. As a matter of fact, don't pay attention to the lyrics. None of it really makes a difference, and you've heard it all before. If you've heard one vaguely black metal band, you've heard them all.
The only thing I'll say about the singing is that it's more melodious when he's not screaming away like a banshee. The art of singing metal without flat out screaming yourself hoarse seems to be a secret kept only by John Bush and Bruce Dickinson. However, the music here is excellent. I was very much surprised to see a wonderful effort put forth by Soilwork. The best part is that it doesn't particularly matter which song you listen to. Each partakes in the water from the same musical well, and even though most of the tracks are roughly similar, they are different enough to keep from being repetitive. "Departure Plan" is not as strong as he other songs on the album. It lacks something that I can't quite put my finger on, but it doesn't have the same oomph to it. Possibly because it's slightly slower and more ballad-ish than the rest of the effort. But don't be confused. It is NOT a ballad; it merely represents the closest attempt at one. Secondly, "Brickwalker" comes off as kind of generic. There's nothing about it that particularly stands out above the rest. But two average songs out of eleven isn't bad. Nobody's perfect. Conversely, there are three excellent songs to be heard on this album. The title track, "Figure Number Five," has an excellent kick to it, and gets the whole body into the act. The other two are "Rejection Role," which leads off with a bang, and the album's best song by far, "The Mindmaker," which is the first new non-Slayer speed metal tune I've heard in a while that piqued my interest. This one's got drive, speed, power, edge, and any other buzzword that basically means it's a great freakin' song. If you don't check this album out for any other reason, check it out for "The Mindmaker." Said and done, this the best underground metal effort I've heard this year. If you're into underground metal, black metal, or just heavy metal in general, check this out. It's certainly worth your time. Good guitar work, excellent pacing, rhythm, execution, and good overall style could make this an album to be reckoned with. Keep an eye out for it, and tell your friends. A 7, no problem. |
