The Summary Judgment Reviews:
Title: Morning Star
Artist: Entombed
Label: Koch Entertainment
Release Date: 1/22/02

Rating: 4 Skulls
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    • Reviewed by Requiem (1/24/02):
    To be honest I almost had no faith in Entombed ever writing a worthwhile album again. Wolverine Blues did showcase some talent, but in a much more rock and roll based manner, which was stunning to those of us who were longing for more death metal madness. Since that time, the band journeyed on their death n' roll adventure to an extent that led to the disappointment of many fans. Not long after Wolverine Blues, I stopped paying attention to the fact that they even existed. Morning Star is no Left Hand Path or Clandestine but it's certainly better than the last few albums. I can say that it easily rivals Wolverine Blues and there's nothing too shabby about that. Morning Star nicely accentuates the crushing rock and roll flavorings the band has since leaned towards, while sprinkling elements of the early days in for a satisfying result. I am honestly surprised with what they have come up with this time around.

    The album has got enough speed and rage to win back a good handful of those they have lost. While it lies in parallel to Wolverine Blues it often hints back to the days of old with their tuned down chainsaw distortion and driving chords on top of adrenaline crazed beats. The gravelly shouted vocals put the already energy driven music over the top. When the album hits the mid paced range be prepared for a double bass attack and crunchy rock rhythms. "I For an Eye" is an example of this, which also beckons a Clandestine era speedy section in for good measure. "Ensemble of the Restless" and "About to Die" are two speed induced energetic cuts that'll embarrass most so called "rock influenced" metal projects out today. "City of Ghosts" showcases one of many songs with tasteful guitar solos and a riff that could have put on Slayer's "South of Heaven". Looking back at Entombed's history, it sounds like they are doing just what they should be.

    With the resurgence in metal in full effect, Entombed seem to be playing their cards right with a more kick ass approach towards their music. The notch up in speed will gain them respect with some fans of old. The death n' roll antics will probably gain them fans of such a wide range of music from Hatebreed to Swordmaster. The bottom line is that Morning Star should have something appealing to most metal fiends if you are just willing to give it a good listen. Crack a few brews, fire up the bong and experience the death n' roll fury that Entombed have so successfully achieved.
    4 out of 5

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