CD REVIEW: AMARANTHE – Massive Addictive

Label: Spinefarm Records

Release Date: October 21, 2014

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Melodic Death Power Metal – what a mouthful, but it fits the latest release from Amaranthe, Massive Addictive.  I am not quite sure where the death part comes in, other than some rough/scream vocals.  “Dynamite” kicks this disc off with huge symphonic sound and an aggressive tempo supplied by the rhythm section and keyboards.  The vocals come in and dazzle with contributions from Elize Ryd, screamer Henrik, and Jake E on clean vocals.  “Drop Dead Cynical” hits next and hits hard.  This track combines the different things the bands does well and results in one of the stronger tracks on the disc, equally mixing the different vocal types as well as the different band members.  Title track “Massive Addictive” predominately mixes the keyboards and chugging guitars with the lighter vocals of Elize and Jake E, while giving the heavier bottom end and Henrik room to explore the darker side of the song.  “True” opens like a beautiful ballad that gains a heavy sound at times, but never loses its lighter feel.  The duet between Jake E and Elize keeps the song lofty and gives the disc a bit of contrast.  “Over And Done” is another great ballad that keeps the bands sound diverse and allows the keyboards and guitars to steal the spotlight, even while in the role of supporting the lead vocals.  “Skyline” is more breakneck paced rock that show the bands ability to combine the different vocal types and mix them up with varied music tracks and turn it into a cool song.

“Trinity” has a heavy keyboard opening that is quickly accompanied by the bass, drums, and guitars.  The tempo of this track suits the different vocal contributions on this track.  The chorus has an anthemic feel that should carry well with a live audience.  “Digital World” is a track that features a cool tempo and tribal rhythm that quickly gets the foot tapping and the head banging.  The vocals on this track are some of the best on this release when it comes to using the different sounds and textures to offset each other.  “Unreal” keeps the disc moving along the heavier symphonic track that was established early on, with more growls from Henrik and cleaner vocals from Elize and Jake E while the drums and bass on this song really lead the charge.  “Danger Zone” is a heavy track that launches quickly with predominately screams and growls that enhanced by clean vocals that give the chorus a lift.  The bass, drums, and guitar compliment the different vocal qualities on this disc, especially when the Olof tears loose for a superb guitar solo.  “An Ordinary Abnormality” has a different tempo and bottom sound than most of the tracks on this disc, but seems to fit as well as any other track on the disc.  the trade off of lead vocals between the three vocalists within the first verse gives the song stability from opening note to last, especially during the chorus.  “Exhale” closes the disc with another off tempo track that brings the different styles from the previous eleven tracks together and gives us another strong track that could have just as easily opened the disc as close it.

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Category: CD Reviews