Artist: The Forsaken
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 6/29/04
|
|
Title: Traces of the Past Artist: The Forsaken Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 6/29/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
|
3 | ||
|
4 | ||
|
4 | ||
|
| |||
Abyss's Review:
The Forsaken's third album will most likely satisfy long time fans of the band, while continuing to receive criticism from their detractors who believe the band has failed to grow in a spent style. And both sides are right. This is a very satisfying album for what it is. I like it better than Arts of Desolation, which made me fearful of more commercial aspirations down the road. Luckily, with this album the band has moved a bit closer to the energy and grit of their debut, showing they still have a hunger for blistering, yet melodic, metal.
"One word review: Solid." But at the same time I understand the detractors who lament how much of this stuff is out there. Realistically, they could have said the same thing about the last Centinex album, and that album smokes, and I still go back to it consistently. And that's what's most important. Do I care that it came out after the time period in which it would've been trendy? Of course not, only those who live their lives around trends would. The fact is, I think that album holds up better than many of the 'classics' that I used to love, but I just don't really go back to any more (*coughIn Flamescough*). And while I liked the new Centinex album better than this one, this is a really good effort and it deserves your consideration.
While this album can be seen as pigeon-holed with regard to sound, it is well written, with songs that consist of a variety of riffs and melodies that are arranged into interesting songs. In all honesty, if I have any true criticism of this record it isn't because of what genre it's in. It's more that it just seems to be missing that one little spark that would push it to the forefront of my CD collection. And because of that, these guys remain on the upper middle tier in my book. Still, I'm really glad I have this album. One word review: Solid.
Death's Review:
Nobody ever complained that there wasn't enough Swedish melodic thrash in the world. That said, when it is done well, and when it is done right, such music definitely kills. Most of the time, this comes naturally when two elements coalesce as one in the same band: (1) musical and songwriting talent; and (2) a healthy respect for classic-styled 80's thrash, a la Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Overkill, Flotsam and Jetsam, Death Angel and Exodus. This is the case with The Forsaken. And that is why I like them so much. Interesting guitar work embellishes upon cool, thrashy riffs, with searing death-growl vocals and a healthy respect for European-styled melodic, technical death metal. And as an added bonus, the Tommy Tagtgren/Abyss Studio production carries the quality assurances inherent in the Tagtgren/Abyss names. Cool original tunes notwithstanding, most fun are the covers tacked on to the end of the U.S. release as bonus tracks. They do two tunes by Metallica, one by Slayer, and one by Grave. I especially like Metallica's "Blackened" and Slayer's "Spirit in Black." Great to hear, and fun to sing along to at your next drunken metallic gathering.
"Interesting guitar work embellishes upon cool, thrashy riffs, with searing death-growl vocals and a healthy respect for European-styled melodic, technical death metal." Of course the originals kick ass too, although they sadly aren't always as memorable as the covers. I like the comparisons thrown out in the band bio on the Century Media web site, referencing calling them a combo of At the Gates ("untamed power"), Arch Enemy ("songwriting"), Dissection ("evil melodies") and Morbid Angel ("obscure, atmospheric twists"). That's not a bad explanation. At worst, The Forsaken is another cool Swe-death band to thrash out to. At best, they bring their own twist to the sound in a manner that only true metal lifers playing for the love of the music really could. I'm glad The Forsaken included the covers, 'cause they helped me to realize that they "get it," and that helped me appreciate their original music even more. These guys would do well as the requisite Swedish melodic death support act on a multi-band, genre stretching large club tour of the U.S. this fall. You know, the role that Carnal Forge played on the ill-fated Halford/Immortal et al., Metal Gods tour a while back. The role that Arch Enemy has outgrown. The Forsaken just needs the opportunity. Any takers? What if they promise to play a couple of Metallica and Slayer covers for the fist-pumping, beer-drinking masses?
Hel's Review:
The Forsaken have returned with another solid release. I find this band interesting because while each of their albums shares a strong similarity, each is different enough to have an identity of its own. Traces of the Past continues this trend, and also continues the legacy of strong albums that I have come to associate with The Forsaken.
"This is death metal straight from the heart, written and performed with passion." This time, I strongly hear the thrash influence, and both the title and the content of the bonus tracks (covers of Metallica, Slayer, and Grave) seem to support the theory I am developing, at least to some extent. Each of The Forsaken’s albums has stuck me as having a certain overall direction, and this one seems to point toward the band revisiting the music that started it all for them. Of course, I’m totally making this up. But what is important here is that this is a death metal album that blends both melody and thrash aggression into a product that is undeniably potent.
I’d have to say that the two things that make me happiest about this album, as has been true with their other two records, are the vocals and the drums. Both are aggressive and unrelenting, and lend the overall recording a feeling of power and veracity. This is death metal straight from the heart, written and performed with passion. Whatever else you may take away from this album, you cannot help but be drawn in by the sincerity behind the music.
I know that I will be returning to Traces of the Past after this review is done. As I have listened to it in preparation for this review, I have found myself growing increasingly fond, and even addicted, to this record. I would not be surprised to find that I eventually regret giving this only a four. Do yourself a favor and give this one a listen.
[- Metal Judgment Home -] [- Email Metal Judgment -]
©1999 Metal Judgment. All rights reserved.