Dispatched - Terrorizer
Crash Music Inc. - 61137 - 2005
By Josh Phillips
Sweden is a country that has become rather (in)famous for its melodic death metal scene and Dispatched's new album, Terrorizer, will only add to its reputation. This is the band's fourth release and was recorded at Studio Fredman by none other than Anders Friden of In Flames. In fact, Dispatched share many similarities with older In Flames and it is possible that if you liked The Jester Race, you may be a fan of this album.
The band's overall sound fits well into the current melo-death description, it could essentially pass as traditional metal with growled vocals. Throw in some falsettos and this would rest in the power metal category. Having said that, Dispatched also have some slight folk tendencies, using the Swedish bagpipes on occasion. The melodies constructed on this album are all well-done and often remind me of Mithotyn's In the Sign of the Ravens with a dash of Ensiferum here and there. The more aggressive sections match up well with In Flames and Children of Bodom, so it is very likely that if you are a fan of these bands, you'll like Dispatched. This is essentially heavy metal with growled vocals and minor folk influences shining through at times. Tracks such as "Wicked Dreams," "Beneath the World of Chaos," and "Override" are where you'll notice them the most. Acoustics are used on occasion, while the riffing, vocals and drumwork are all competent and par for the course within this genre.
Overall, this is nothing highly original, even if it is performed well. It would serve as a great introduction to growled vocals for anyone yet to venture into that territory because of the highly melodic nature of the music. Not bad, not spectacular, this is an album I would have loved a couple of years ago when this style was fresh and new to me. But, having said that, this album should still appeal to many and if you are a fan of the aforementioned bands such as Children of Bodom and Mithotyn, take note of this record, it may be right up your alley.
7/10
Official Dispatched Website
Official Crash Music Inc. Website
Crash Music Inc. - 61137 - 2005
By Josh Phillips
Sweden is a country that has become rather (in)famous for its melodic death metal scene and Dispatched's new album, Terrorizer, will only add to its reputation. This is the band's fourth release and was recorded at Studio Fredman by none other than Anders Friden of In Flames. In fact, Dispatched share many similarities with older In Flames and it is possible that if you liked The Jester Race, you may be a fan of this album.
The band's overall sound fits well into the current melo-death description, it could essentially pass as traditional metal with growled vocals. Throw in some falsettos and this would rest in the power metal category. Having said that, Dispatched also have some slight folk tendencies, using the Swedish bagpipes on occasion. The melodies constructed on this album are all well-done and often remind me of Mithotyn's In the Sign of the Ravens with a dash of Ensiferum here and there. The more aggressive sections match up well with In Flames and Children of Bodom, so it is very likely that if you are a fan of these bands, you'll like Dispatched. This is essentially heavy metal with growled vocals and minor folk influences shining through at times. Tracks such as "Wicked Dreams," "Beneath the World of Chaos," and "Override" are where you'll notice them the most. Acoustics are used on occasion, while the riffing, vocals and drumwork are all competent and par for the course within this genre.
Overall, this is nothing highly original, even if it is performed well. It would serve as a great introduction to growled vocals for anyone yet to venture into that territory because of the highly melodic nature of the music. Not bad, not spectacular, this is an album I would have loved a couple of years ago when this style was fresh and new to me. But, having said that, this album should still appeal to many and if you are a fan of the aforementioned bands such as Children of Bodom and Mithotyn, take note of this record, it may be right up your alley.
7/10
Official Dispatched Website
Official Crash Music Inc. Website
