ALBUM REVIEW: Prime Creation - Tears of Rage

PRIME CREATION (Sweden)
"Tears of Rage"
(Silent Wall Productions)
Release date: September 27th 2019
Genre: Melodic heavy metal, modern heavy metal
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Although the band has only existed for 4 1/2 years, the five members that make up the collective of PRIME CREATION have been around in the Swedish metal scene since the early nineties. Upon its formation in 2015, PRIME CREATION consisted of members from the then newly disbanded Morifade, and when Esa Englund joined forces to handle the vocal duties, their line up was complete. Guitarist Mathias Kamijo left in early 2017, and since Rami Tainamo replaced Kamijo shortly after, the ensemble has remained constant.

It has only been just over a month ago since these Swedes were first featured on this blog, when this writer reviewed the second single from their second album. You can read that review here. The album's release is just a couple weeks away, and it is because of this that we're having another feature about the band here on Subterranean Noise.

As already indicated on the two singles ("Lost in the Shades" and the title track from the album "Tears of Rage") that were released earlier this year, PRIME CREATION's new album is a powerful collection of songs. "Fingers Crossed" is a perfect opener - heavy, catchy and energetic with a memorable chorus that has a high singalong factor. The production is rather polished, but does still maintain the warmth that keeps it from sounding clinical. However, this is modern metal, and it sounds just like it should; punchy and direct.

"Lost in the Shades" was the first single to be released back in April, and once again my mind is drawn towards Masterplan, Evergrey, mid-nineties' In Flames, and even Dark Tranquillity. This is a natural continuation to "Fingers Crossed", high on energy and with a great drive, with a nice change of time signature during the chorus.

Though there are hints of it during the first two cuts on "Tears of Rage, "Before the Rain" is slightly more seasoned with electronics, and even dares to approach nu metal in some parts. A bold move perhaps, but an interesting one, as the band allows themselves to explore new grounds within the modern heavy metal genre. "Pretend till the End" is no exception, with murky clean guitars, lo-fi drum beats and a slightly darker feel overall.

"Tears of Rage" is a solid album all the way throughout its 43 minutes of duration, and it's easier to mention highlights rather than weak spots. Not a single weak track, and although the mix is perfectly balanced, I find the overall production a bit too loud. In terms of composition every song is a winner, and there are indeed tons of glorious riffs from which the songs are built up.

The title track is the last to feature PRIME CREATION's collective power, before "Endless Lanes" concludes the band's sophomore album in quite a contrastful manner with strings and piano in a more atmospheric scenery.

Overall, "Tears of Rage" is a thoroughly massive and hard hitting addition to PRIME CREATION's list of merits. Power, energy and melody are just a few keywords to describe it, and if you are already into bands like those named further up in this review, be sure to click on the "Album preorder" link in the album detail section to grab a copy of your own.

"Tears of Rage" will be released on September 27th 2019.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Fingers Crossed
2. Lost in the Shades
3. Before the Rain
4. Pretend till the End
5. Walk Away
6. All for my Crown
7. A Beggar's Call
8. Tears of Rage
9. Endless Lanes

PRIME CREATION:
Esa Englund - Vocals
Robin Arnell - Lead Guitar
Rami Tainamo - Rhythm Guitar
Henrik Weimedal - Bass Guitar
Kim Arnell - Drums