Unmoored Indefinite Soul-Extension
code666 code019 27th October 2003
By Russell Garwood
Swedish death metal collective Unmoored recently released their third full length through code666 records. Differing somewhat from many of their label-mates, the bands music has both harsh and melodic death elements, with occasional keyboards, frequent solos and regular time changes. The vocals of Christian Älvestam are excellent, aggressive growls complement the unforgiving metallic sections, while his top-quality singing creates catchy choruses and unforgettable hooks in nearly every song. Rarely have I seen better use of clean vocals in a death album, with the singing used primarily on distorted, not quiet, sections. The lead guitars of Thomas Johansson (and rhythm of Christian) are also excellent. Melodic riffage contrasts occasional less melodic, brutal-death-orientated sections, while the high-speed solos are impressive. Acoustics are a nice addition, especially in the last song a ballad called Final State Part III. The bass is often drowned beneath other instrumentation, but the drums are of a very high standard. Varied beats move between blasts and double bass roles, as well as slower crash-heavy sections, while the fills are fitting and well considered, and time changes prove no trouble. Well placed keyboards are another welcome addition, both subtle and effective.
Clean, well-balanced production, courtesy of T. Tagtgren (Abyss Studio Dimmu, Marduk, Hypocrisy), completes a rounded and original album. Indefinite Soul-Extension shows accomplished musicianship, solid songwriting and is well worth checking out for fans of extreme music. Unmoored deserve much recognition, and hopefully (with the help of code666s impressive and ever-growing reputation), they will get it.
code666 code019 27th October 2003
By Russell Garwood
Swedish death metal collective Unmoored recently released their third full length through code666 records. Differing somewhat from many of their label-mates, the bands music has both harsh and melodic death elements, with occasional keyboards, frequent solos and regular time changes. The vocals of Christian Älvestam are excellent, aggressive growls complement the unforgiving metallic sections, while his top-quality singing creates catchy choruses and unforgettable hooks in nearly every song. Rarely have I seen better use of clean vocals in a death album, with the singing used primarily on distorted, not quiet, sections. The lead guitars of Thomas Johansson (and rhythm of Christian) are also excellent. Melodic riffage contrasts occasional less melodic, brutal-death-orientated sections, while the high-speed solos are impressive. Acoustics are a nice addition, especially in the last song a ballad called Final State Part III. The bass is often drowned beneath other instrumentation, but the drums are of a very high standard. Varied beats move between blasts and double bass roles, as well as slower crash-heavy sections, while the fills are fitting and well considered, and time changes prove no trouble. Well placed keyboards are another welcome addition, both subtle and effective.
Clean, well-balanced production, courtesy of T. Tagtgren (Abyss Studio Dimmu, Marduk, Hypocrisy), completes a rounded and original album. Indefinite Soul-Extension shows accomplished musicianship, solid songwriting and is well worth checking out for fans of extreme music. Unmoored deserve much recognition, and hopefully (with the help of code666s impressive and ever-growing reputation), they will get it.