  
Soilwork are another one of those phenomenal Swedish
melodic death metal bands alongside the likes
of In Flames that are the most easily and memorably
associated with the scene and are one of the longest
standing acts in that scene too forming in 1995
bringing their current career up to 18 years thus
far. Originally their music was extremely heavy
and would blow your face off in the days of “Figure
Number Five” and “The Chainheart Machine”
but in recent releases we have seen the band incorporating
softer and more melodic influences into their
material which has broadened their horizons and
the depth of their sound, whilst I like the material
and enjoy it I do feel that I prefer their heavier
material, time to see if their latest instalment
excites me in a special way.
A double album you know, I always find them extremely
impressive and if a band is putting one out it’s
a huge achievement but with that comes a lot to
live up to, sometimes the only half of it is really
productive material leaving the rest as less impressive
filler tracks. As far as CD1 goes I’ve found
that one an incredibly enjoyable listen with songs
like “Let The First Wave Rise”, “Spectrum
of Eternity”, “Tongue” and “This
Momentary Bliss” forerunning the assault
of thick distorted riffs harmonising with clean
melodic counterparts and a combination of many
different styles of vocal work (I mean Just spin
“The Windswept Mercy” a few times
and feel the strain you’ll have in your
neck afterwards).
CD2 then has its chance to shine; I must say that
they don’t lose sight of the goal as the
tracks still have their own drawing points and
are not filler pieces in the slightest which was
a very refreshing change to the status quo I must
say. There is still drop dead heavy power amongst
the likes of “Leech”, “Long
Live The Misanthrope” and “Rise Above
The Sentiment” are just as infectious and
easily just as memorable as anything you can find
on the first album if not a little heavier.
Progression and survival can take many forms and
take many things to pay off, manipulation of style
and redirection some pay off, some do not, and
all have the same risk involved. This one has
definitely paid off as I haven’t really
been a big Soilwork fanatic for a few years and
this has pushed then back on my radar, fantastic
effort.
4.5/5
Review by James Webb
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