Closer - A Darker Kind Of Salvation

They call it melodic death metal. Some call it Modern Swedish Metal. I call it just plain good! With riff laden metal anarchy from beggining to the end, the "A Darker Kind Of Salvation" is a most satisfying piece of work. With drums of fury, constant thumping bass lines and an unmerciful guitar onslaught, Closer kicks you hard and just keeps on kicking you! Even in their most melodic moments like the songs, "It Dwells In Darkness" and "Open Your Eyes" the band never forgets that they are one of the most explosive elements to come out of Sweden since Nobel invented dynamite! 

The album’s cover kicks asses, a lot of them and it is responsible for making listening to it first among "four for review albums."

Musically this band is almost flawless. Bassist Johannes is a secret weapon. He manages to produce some of the most dynamic rhythms and melodic passages to emit from this instrument. Just listen to the ending of the song "Caressing The Insane" and his talent will become abundantly clear.Tobbe on drums never fails on this disc. His terrific fills and tireless stick work is at times the most dramatic part of the music. He is much more than just the man who keeps the tempo! Guitarist Per is the one who defines the sound of the band. His relentless six string attack is the key that opens the door to the word of Closer. He is the guy that makes sure that whiplash will be in your future! If you wanted to explain the term melodic death metal, his playing is one of the best examples. From distorted heavy riffs to scintillating solos, Per delivers a brilliant PERformance! He also adds the melodic singing that is scattered across the disc.

The growling lead singer Andreas is the voice that is the final touch to this very talented group. The snarling beast is let loose and might just devour anything in its path! With a menacing roar, Andreas is hard to ignore or resist. He might not have much of a range but who needs it in this type of music. He is as wicked and gripping a growler as you will find.

The one complaint I have is that this disc is only 38 minutes long. You get a good taste of what the band can do but then it is over before you know it! The songs are mostly short and I could see them expanding on the length of each also. Other than that, I cannot find any fault with this album.