Susperia - Cut from Stone
Candlelight Records - CDL312 - June 19, 2007
By George Grant
Norways history within the underground metal scene cannot be ignored. Having spawned many of the scenes most revered bands sure places a lot of pressure on other artists. Susperia is one Norwegian band that has undoubtedly felt this very pressure. It also doesnt help that a few of their members have been apart of the countrys more famous groups like Dimmu Borgir and Old Mans Child. However, despite this Susperia has pressed on and released three full lengths worth of their modern thrash metal style. With their fourth album, Cut from Stone, now released to the masses Susperia hopes to make the older Norwegian bands a thing of the past.
Susperias style of metal certainly has its foundations within thrash. Yet, dont expect a very fast or intense listen on this album. The bands main focus is with the groove riffs they place in the songs with a thin layer of guitar melodies laying over the top. This style is most comparable to Testaments Practice What You Preach album. Although not the most original style being played, the band does know how to craft catchy melodies. However, very early on a severe weakness becomes apparent on Cut from Stone. This weakness is in the song writing by Susperia. It seems as though the band is following a formula for the songs. The majority of them start with a heavy beginning but then transition to a slower, more melodic section. Its these slower sections which makes this formula most damaging. As the album progresses it becomes predictable when the transitions will happen. This isnt to say that the band has forgotten their extreme metal history. Select tracks like The Clone and Life Depraved show the band speeding things up and taking a much needed twist on the album.
Accompanying the music are the also predictable vocals by front man Athera. Just like the music, he utilizes two main vocal techniques. For the heavier sections his gruff vocals will be heard, which are similar to Testaments Chuck Billy. Then, for the more melodic moments Athera cleans things up projecting a clean vocal style similar to Fireball Ministry front man James Rota. In the end, his vocal contributions do nothing to improve the album.
One place where the band does succeed is with the production on the album. Utilizing the talents of Daniel Bergstrand (who has produced many bands like In Flames and Behemoth) the overall sound is very polished and clean. The drums especially sit very well in the mix. Considering Tjodalv of Dimmu Borgir fame sits behind the kit, this was almost a necessity. Despite these additions, the damage on Cut from Stone is already done. Suffering from the formulaic songwriting Susperias newest release has offered an album with no replay value.
Official Susperia Website
Official Candlelight Records Website
Candlelight Records - CDL312 - June 19, 2007
By George Grant
Norways history within the underground metal scene cannot be ignored. Having spawned many of the scenes most revered bands sure places a lot of pressure on other artists. Susperia is one Norwegian band that has undoubtedly felt this very pressure. It also doesnt help that a few of their members have been apart of the countrys more famous groups like Dimmu Borgir and Old Mans Child. However, despite this Susperia has pressed on and released three full lengths worth of their modern thrash metal style. With their fourth album, Cut from Stone, now released to the masses Susperia hopes to make the older Norwegian bands a thing of the past.
Susperias style of metal certainly has its foundations within thrash. Yet, dont expect a very fast or intense listen on this album. The bands main focus is with the groove riffs they place in the songs with a thin layer of guitar melodies laying over the top. This style is most comparable to Testaments Practice What You Preach album. Although not the most original style being played, the band does know how to craft catchy melodies. However, very early on a severe weakness becomes apparent on Cut from Stone. This weakness is in the song writing by Susperia. It seems as though the band is following a formula for the songs. The majority of them start with a heavy beginning but then transition to a slower, more melodic section. Its these slower sections which makes this formula most damaging. As the album progresses it becomes predictable when the transitions will happen. This isnt to say that the band has forgotten their extreme metal history. Select tracks like The Clone and Life Depraved show the band speeding things up and taking a much needed twist on the album.
Accompanying the music are the also predictable vocals by front man Athera. Just like the music, he utilizes two main vocal techniques. For the heavier sections his gruff vocals will be heard, which are similar to Testaments Chuck Billy. Then, for the more melodic moments Athera cleans things up projecting a clean vocal style similar to Fireball Ministry front man James Rota. In the end, his vocal contributions do nothing to improve the album.
One place where the band does succeed is with the production on the album. Utilizing the talents of Daniel Bergstrand (who has produced many bands like In Flames and Behemoth) the overall sound is very polished and clean. The drums especially sit very well in the mix. Considering Tjodalv of Dimmu Borgir fame sits behind the kit, this was almost a necessity. Despite these additions, the damage on Cut from Stone is already done. Suffering from the formulaic songwriting Susperias newest release has offered an album with no replay value.
Official Susperia Website
Official Candlelight Records Website
