Aurora - Dead Electric Nightmare

Year of Release: 2002
Label: Lucretia Records
Catalog Number: LU20012-2
Format: CD
Total Time: 47:17:00

Aurora have a similar feel to In Flames and whilst their record label signifies a "new" genre of metal, in this case extreme progressive metal, I'm hedging my bets with the well-worn and used melodic death metal in the tradition of In Flames, Soilwork, Dark Tranquillity, and a whole host of others.

The band have had a bit of a history already but my ears had not heard of the band until their new album, on Lucretia Records, hit the stereo. Dead Electric Nightmares is their fourth album and I'm quite open in saying I was extremely happy and surprised by the album (I wasn't expecting it to be this good). The appeal in this band lies in many facets from the heavy Anders Friden (In Flames) like vocals of Mr. Frolund to the heavy, technical and exciting playing of the rest of the troupe. Is it progressive like their label says it is? Yes and no. There are definite signals like the oft-used changes in tempo and rhythm and more traditional off-beats but it's not as progressive as others. Songs like "Metaphysical Electric" showcase this side of the band to perfection. Outside of the progressiveness, the album is very heavy with a veritable festering feast of extremely powerful music. The band also create a modern vibe with titles that Fear Factory would be proud of.

If the album lacks anything it is consistency. The first half is very reliable but as the CD moves on I just wished for a change of pace or some minor variation. The variation Aurora included, especially in the last two songs "Jack" and "Chains Of God," misrepresent the rest of the album and I think it has a detrimental effect. The tracks slow down slightly and the vocals change direction in the verses. It's a strange result but it's only two out of ten songs. The rest of the album is terrific.

Aurora should be heard by all fans of melodic death metal and if they can manage to keep up the pace and intensity to make it in the big league then they, and us, should be in for one hell of a ride. For now though, this album is one of the highlights in this genre of music and hopefully they take it somewhere because they certainly have the talent and the skill.

Similar To: In Flames, Soilwork, Dark Tranquillity

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
Black Heavy Cat / Metaphysical Electric / New God Rising / Martyr Of Life / A Perfect Light / Watching, Falling, Breathing / Two Dice And A Silent Disquise / Causa Sui / Jack / Chains Of God

Musicians:
Mr. Frølund - vocals
Thomas Broberg - guitar
Anders Vestergaard - guitar
Carsten Terp - bass
Morten G. Sörensen - drums

Discography:
I'll Cry Alone (ep) (1997)
Eos (1998)
Sadiam (ep) (1999)
Devotion (2000)
Dead Electric Nightmares (2002)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin DK

Added: December 3rd 2004
Reviewer: Gary Carson
Score:
Artist website: www.aurora.dk
Hits: 2091
Language: english