Before I gush, I want to tell you that I first listened to this at my other job. I was wondering how Id rank this up against Gardenians Sindustries. Then I got home and I listened to it loud .
I have since then acquired $8000 dollars in collectibles from eBay, including Anders Friden underoos, an In Flames lunchbox and Clayman cologne, and I have painted the Clayman cover art on the front doors of my house; I expect to be dead by my wifes hand tomorrow morning.
This album is immortal. It is a Titan, the likes of which has only been previously attempted by bands such as Dark Tranquility, but none had the intensely vast vision of guitarist Jesper Stromblad and none were as successful as Clayman.
This album opens up with the neck-breaking Bullet Ride, which is already turning into a classic among die-hard fans. This is followed by the two tracks (Pinball Map, Only For The Weak) that are the most easily marketable due to their massive, jaw-dropping, melodic chorus arrangements.
One of the best tracks that has been overlooked by many (particularly according to fan polls at http://www.InFlames.com) is Square Nothing; a blazing claymore of introspection.
I suppose I could prattle and profess my undying love about every track, but let me get back to the big picture here. The deathly blade-strokes of Anders Fridens voice combined with his monsterously powerful chorus arrangements make for the most badass beast among all melodic death metal vocalists. The razor sharp honing over the years of Bjorn Gelotte and Jesper Stromblands musicianship is the godly crème metal has needed for years.
This album is as important as Reign In Blood.
Bottom Line: This album will make you feel as if you are leading an army of immortals on an uphill charge against the enemy, beating their asses every step of the way. Flat out Godly.
Rating: 10 of 10
++++++++++++
Scary thing is, that this is not a joke, and from one of most respected and "high-quality" metal zines www.metalbite.com. One of their main reviewers at that.
