I continue my chronicles devoted to the melodic albums released on April 21, 2023 with 'Smackbound' which also come from the Nordic countries like the Swedes of 'Saint Deamon', in this case from Finland, and who released their 2nd studio recording. Led by the female singer with the powerful voice 'Netta Laurenne', they signed with 'Frontiers Music' and are presented as making melodic metal but after a first listen, we are conquered by a diversity of different styles mixing different influences with lines melodic that we tame immediately: it goes from the beautiful ballads 'Imperfect Day' (see the video here) and 'The Edge' to the impetuous 'Razor Sharp' and 'Hold The Fire' passing by the popisants 'Reap', 'Break' and 'Hostage' or the catchy 'Change' (see the video here) and 'Hostage' or even the symphonic and theatrical 'Rodrigo'. There is therefore something for all tastes and the Finns deploy a resolutely modern metal with well-honed riffs which draws its influences from different styles by incorporating a few electronic touches. In summary, 'Smackbound' confirms with this second album that we will have to count on them to actively participate in the rise of the new Nordic wave of melodic metal... | |
