Solitude - The Revival EP [2010]

Genre: Melodic Metalcore
Label: Dead Tree Music
URL: http://www.myspace.com/solitudeswe
Country: Värnamo, Sweden
Note: By band request

Having played together for four years, Solitude releases their first official EP through Dead Tree Music. As the band themselves describe it, they are delivering their own form of melodic metalcore.
They have a very typical Swedish sound (don't ask me what Swedish sound is, it can't be explained) that draws my thoughts toward well-known Swedish acts such as and In Flames and Dead By April - with similar radio-friendly sound. Maybe this isn't very surprising since Henrik Udd (In Flames, The Haunted, Soilwork) produced the album and Solitude sound like In Flames gone metalcore.
Patrik Larsson's vocals sound a real lot like Anders Fridén from In Flames - it's almost scary. If I heard The Revival and didn't get to know which band it was, I would bet money on guessing it was In Flames.
But enough comparisons. Solitude is on the verge of melodic death metal, but not quite there yet. I'm thinking trying to aim for that genre would be very fulfilling for the band. I'm sure Henrik Udd could help them with that, should the thought be considered.
All in all, it's pretty solid for a four-song EP and I think even though it only contains such few songs, it serves as a preview of what Solitude will become in an early future.

Best song: The Revival
Score: 7,5/10

Walking With Strangers - Buried, Dead & Done [2010]

Genre: Melodic Metalcore
Label: Snapping Fingers Snapping Necks
URL: http://www.myspace.com/walkingwithmusic
Country: Trolhättan, Sweden

First hearing from these guys on the swedish-band compilation Burn All The Small Towns, they stood out over even big acts such as Adept, Herbrightskies and Chemical Vocation. Even then, I knew this band had some serious potentional. I was on the lookout for any releases they had done, and I found Turning Point, their first EP. Even though Turning Point was incredible, I have to say Buried, Dead & Done is a whole lot better.
They have improved in every aspect since their first EP, and I never thought I would see a swedish band in this genre that could even sound as awesome as Walking With Strangers do.
It seems as though they are not afraid of getting in touch with their melodic side either! Some songs are pretty melodic a la Parkway Drive, with the characteristic melodic, yet heavy, riffs, breakdowns and sweeps. Big plus!
Alright, time for some negative stuff. I read the lyrics of The Provider... .. Well, all I can say is that I'm NOT a fan of people bragging about their alcohol experiences. I just don't see the point. Good thing I'm not adept at hearing what people scream through the speakers (so it won't bug me anymore), so I'm just gonna blow past it and enjoy the song which is awesome in every other way.
That's it. Nothing else to complain about.
Another huge plus is that, apart from MANY other bands, WWS manage to make every song have their own sound. Instead of albums sounding like one entire song, it gives it depth and variation. This is very important, atleast to me, that the band care enough and have significant capabilities to make every song unique. This only proves how talented they actually are.

All in all, this is one of the mightiest EP's out there at the moment. I only feel lucky I live in Sweden and actually have a chance to see them live at the time being, before they tour the world - because it's only a matter of time.

Best track: Buried, Dead & Done
Score: 9/10

Bury Tomorrow - Portraits [2009]

Genre: Melodic Metalcore
Label: Basick Records
URL: http://www.myspace.com/burytomorrowband
Country: Southampton/Portsmouth, UK

Up and coming UK act Bury Tomorrow have gained a lot of renown lately. Reviews at Kerrang!, posted in Best New Music-section in Rock Sound and, of course, the awesome blog And then i heard it., helped BT come into the scene.
Bury Tomorrow is a very melodic kind of metalcore with symphonic clean vocals and heavy, deep screams. As BT themself claim, many bands dare not put too much melody in their music, especially vocal-wise, but Bury Tomorrow take no risks. While keeping it brutal, they embrace their melodic side aswell.
Portraits is a solid metalcore album, which stands a lot of listens. Don't wear it out though, because the possibility of it becomes a minus.


Best track: Confessions
Score: 8,5/10