Incrave - Dead End


Year of Release: 2008
Label: Ulterium Records
Catalog Number: ULTCD 007
Format: CD
Total Time: 43:06:00

One bad apple spoils the bunch. That kind of negativity is worth less than free. All it takes is a poor composition or a weak voice to ruin a perfectly good album. It's those rare times when something cursed is turned into a blessing that makes for memorable martyrs. In Incrave's Dead End, the sextet does just that; takes a miserable theme and makes it come out smelling like a bed of roses.

To give you an idea of what I mean, the cover art and concept allude to apocalyptic times. They drive their point home with heavy-hitting metal anthems. "The Touch of Death," for example, is quite viable as a VIP at the head-banger's ball. If you're a parishioner of Satan's church, chances are you'll find their beats to be dreadfully engaging. Still, it's easy to forget their devil worship, because their structures are often melodic. While it's in the vein of rival Vikes like Bathory or Manowar, these Swedes tap into the arteries of Dream Theater. Even the aforementioned nightmare experiences a blissful interlude in between the torture.

As to their grisly members, Jonathan Stenberg's keyboards hearken to Richard Andersson whereas their guitars come in pairs. The holy duality is provided by Jon Bålefalk and David Ohlsson. Martin Davidsson, however, is the meanest of the bunch. When his bass enters into "Shades Of Me", the music transforms from serenity to panic. Giving these four death-dealers a lift, Johan Falk's vocals and Josef Davidsson's drums fill out their broad spectrum to give the band a complete sound.

Looking at their picture on the back-cover, these guys are clean-cut aside from a few earrings and a couple stray hairs. Truthfully, their suits are appropriate for a black-tie affair. It's hard to imagine such spruce and studied gentlemen are focused on the end of times.

Speaking of which, "Nevermore" has prolific synergy late in the game, which implies that revelations comes soon after friendly fire. So once the conclusive cul-de-sac is reached, the best defense - and means to a genesis - is just to hit repeat.

[When the band first released their self-titled debut, it was as Evergrace; when it was re-issued under the Incrave name, it was retitled The Escape and one track was added. -ed.]


Tracklisting:
Shattered (4:12) / The Forgotten (4:47) / A Shadow In The Dark (4:30) / The Touch Of Death (3:41) / Unveil The Truth (4:16) / Shades Of Me (4:20) / An Empty Soul (4:00) / Scream In Silence (4:47) / Never More (4:27) / Dead End (4:09)

Musicians:
Johan Falk - vocals
David Ohlsson - guitars
Jon B?lefalk - guitars
Martin Davidsson - bass
Josef Davidsson - drums
Jonathan Stenberg - keyboards

Discography:
The Escape (2007)
Dead End (2008)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin SE

Added: February 17th 2009
Reviewer: Joshua "Prawg Dawg" Turner
Score:
Artist website: www.incrave.se
Hits: 4850
Language: english

  

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