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Nightrage - Wearing A Martyr’s Crown

Label: Lifeforce
Format: CD
Released: 2009
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 7.5/10

This Greek (founder/guitarist Marios Iliopoulos)-Swedish alliance has had high profile guests and previously, a spot on the Century Media roster. Still going, but with a completely new line-up (apart from Iliopoulos, bucking to be the next Gus G.) and now part of Lifeforce, Musically, a throwback to melodic Swedish death metal, ala Gothenburg’s finest, ie. fledgling In Flames, Dark Tranquillity and/or Soilwork (read: before their success/changes). Good stuff, if a little indistinguishable. Plenty of tasty leads though, like the Amon Amarth approved staple ‘Wounded Angels’.

 

Amongst the screamed, nearly indecipherable vocals, the well metered ‘A Grim Struggle’ bounces on an aggressive but infectious rhythm, including a dual acoustic guitar mid-section. The title cut also briefly adopts a jangly, electric-less six-string, along with clean, spoken words. ‘Futile Tears’ likewise takes the manic quotient down a notch, particularly in its laidback final third, acoustic added atop the other guitars and gruff throat. Someone’s been listening to the Opeth back catalog! Actually, Nightrage goes to the well too often with the acoustic trickery, more than half the eleven songs employing it at some point or another, ultimately concluding in ‘Sting Of Remorse’ a classical inspired piano and guitar instrumental. Enjoyable throughout.

 
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