Poisonblack
Lust Stained Despair
Century Media

From the onset, this album is punchy and in your face. Big, chugging riffs and testosterone-filled vocals are really what it's all about, with the infectious lead guitar and keyboard work we'd perhaps expect from a band like Soilwork. The addition of Ville Laihiala (of Sentenced fame) on vocals and lead guitar, replacing Juha-Pekka LeppŠluoto, has lead to the band embracing a real hard rock and heavy metal approach. Laihiala's vocals are gruff, throaty and powerful, but admittedly well controlled and pleasingly delivered. The band's earlier, more gothic sound has been left by the wayside and they've really stepped on the accelerator here, blasting into the international spotlight.

When I hit stop long enough to think properly...I'm a little torn. In the end, it feels like a superficial fusion of HIM and Children Of Bodom. It achieves everything it sets out to do - providing an energetic, fist-pumping procession of ear-worm after ear-worm, but by the end you'll be wondering if there was a point to it all. Luckily, a few slower ballads, such as The Darkest Lie and Pain Becomes Me, showcase a more emotive and engaging side to Laihiala's vocals and a little more musical maturity. They're a bit lame and lacking in real honesty and feeling though, and, refreshed, you'll be longing for a return to the formulaic, upbeat tracks that inevitably follow.

It's hard for me to really credit this as a respectable and world-beating release. It's all been done before and will grow old quickly. But I really can't fault it, however hard I try; it's too damned infuriatingly catchy and still brings a smile to my face with every spin. If thought-provoking, reflective and introspective metal is more your thing, you should definitely avoid this (I almost wish I did)...though it may actually do you some good. Grizzled and cynical as I can be, I'll begrudgingly recommend it to anyone whose interest is aroused. Just don't expect it to change your life. Damn it.

Mike Cross