Norther - Solution7
Spinefarm Records - SPI228CD - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Norther have long suffered with constant comparisons to their fellow countrymen in Children Of Bodom, and while they may play a somewhat similar style of keyboard-laden, blackened melodic death metal, they manage to show on this 5-track EP that they do have the songwriting chops to stand up on their own. In fact, they come across as having more of a latter-day Soilwork influence on songs like second track 'YDKS', utilising considerably more clean vocals and generally more restrained keyboard work than Alexi Laiho's arpeggio freaks.
'Day Zero' kicks off the proceedings with a surprisingly heavy, chugging introduction before settling into a rousing melo-death anthem, whilst 'Hellhole' showcases a far more fast-paced, thrashy and brutal side to the band. It's about here that you start to notice the excellent production - a thick, crunchy guitar tone, synths that site nicely on the peripheries of the stereo space to accentuate the songs when needed, and some nice attack on the drumkit. After 'Thorn', the EP closes with a remix of 'Chasm', which comes across with a notable Faith No More-gone-Finnish influence and packs a huge, memorable chorus.
Overall, Solution7 is a satisfying listen from start to finish - crazy-ass solos, hook-laden riffage, a surfeit of attitude and surprisingly tastefully applied keyboard accoutrements making for a thoroughly enjoyably and thoroughly Finnish metal release. Looking forward to their next full-length now!
7/10
Norther's Official Website
Spinefarm's Official Website
Spinefarm Records - SPI228CD - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Norther have long suffered with constant comparisons to their fellow countrymen in Children Of Bodom, and while they may play a somewhat similar style of keyboard-laden, blackened melodic death metal, they manage to show on this 5-track EP that they do have the songwriting chops to stand up on their own. In fact, they come across as having more of a latter-day Soilwork influence on songs like second track 'YDKS', utilising considerably more clean vocals and generally more restrained keyboard work than Alexi Laiho's arpeggio freaks.
'Day Zero' kicks off the proceedings with a surprisingly heavy, chugging introduction before settling into a rousing melo-death anthem, whilst 'Hellhole' showcases a far more fast-paced, thrashy and brutal side to the band. It's about here that you start to notice the excellent production - a thick, crunchy guitar tone, synths that site nicely on the peripheries of the stereo space to accentuate the songs when needed, and some nice attack on the drumkit. After 'Thorn', the EP closes with a remix of 'Chasm', which comes across with a notable Faith No More-gone-Finnish influence and packs a huge, memorable chorus.
Overall, Solution7 is a satisfying listen from start to finish - crazy-ass solos, hook-laden riffage, a surfeit of attitude and surprisingly tastefully applied keyboard accoutrements making for a thoroughly enjoyably and thoroughly Finnish metal release. Looking forward to their next full-length now!
7/10
Norther's Official Website
Spinefarm's Official Website
