ALBUM REVIEW: Decrowned - Weight of the Dark Sky/Hansel's Nightmare

DECROWNED (Finland)
"Weight of the Black Sky"
(787406 Records DK)
Release date: February 5th 2018

"Hansel's Nightmare"
(787406 Records DK)
Release date: July 30th 2019

Genre: Power metal, modern metal, melodic metal

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Both Finland and its closest neighbor in the west, Sweden, have always been a great source of melodic metal of the powerful kind. The Swedes were probably a bit more death metal oriented at times, but the Fins certainly have produced a decent amount of melodic death metal bands as well.

DECROWNED is a fairly new addition to the list of Finnish melodic metal bands, and despite the fact that they have only existed since 2017 their discography already counts two releases in EP format. Last year saw the release of the first one, "Weight of the Dark Sky", which showed a seemingly very experienced band. I have not been given any information about what the members of this quartet have done prior to forming DECROWNED, but I suspect that neither of them are newcomers within the Finnish metal scene.

In terms of style the debut sounds like a lightweight version of Nightwish mixed with Sentenced, Amorphis, Tiamat and even Pagan's Mind. In other words, it is very clear that DECROWNED has found inspiration within their own national borders. The basis is always modern melodic metal, but they incorporate Nightwish-like symphonic elements for a certain dramatic effect. The vocals are for the most part clean, but on occasion they turn more harsh and hoarse, not unlike Johan Edlund (Tiamat) has done. Listen to "The Sleeping Beauty" from 1992's "Clouds", and you'll see what I mean.

"Weight of the Dark Sky" came out in early February of 2018, and helped DECROWNED get picked as "Demo Band of the Month" in the Finnish Inferno Magazine.

Almost a year and a half later the band returned with their second EP "Hansel's Nightmare", which shows a more refined sound than on the predecessor. The basis is still as was on the debut; melodic modern metal with symphonic elements, and I dare say the Pagan's Mind reference is still very much valid. The production is slightly more polished than on "Weight of the Dark Sky", but all in all "Hansel's Nightmare" is a natural step further from where DECROWNED debuted.

There are four tracks on each of the EP's, all very strong compositions with great riffs, powerful drums, electronic effects to add texture, and certain symphonic elements that just makes it all a bit theatrical. Top it all off with a skilled, Finnish touvh, and you know you can't go wrong.

"Weight of the Dark Sky"
★★★★★★★★☆☆

"Hansel's Nightmare"
★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
"WEIGHT OF THE DARK SKY"
1. Lament
2. Bridges Burning
3. Buried With My Enemies
4. The Everturning Wheel

"HANSEL'S NIGHTMARE"
1. Hansel's Nightmare
2. Darkwaltz
3. Delirium
4. Fortress

LINE UP:
Miikka Hulmi - lead vocals and bass
Jaakko Kauppinen - guitar and backup vocals
Simo Puustinen - guitar and backup vocals
Antti Venäläinen - drums

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
Links:
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Album preorder

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