SUSPERIA „Vindication”

This is SUSPERIA's sophomore disc and a damn fine one at that. Hailing from Norway and a five piece band that I do believe have found there groove in the scene. There freshman effort was not much to speak of and that is what has got me smiling about this disc. I went into this one expecting more of the same from the first one. Bad production, bad mixing, and overall lack of sense of direction as a band. Boy was I surprised when this baby hit my disc player. The band has finally got there shit together and have cut a fine piece of metal art. It is hard to put my finger on a direct sound here for there are many. Vocally Athera performs a couple different sounds that remind me of many bands. The two main influences I hear here are Phil Anselmo from PANTERA and Chuck Billy from TESTAMENT. A very rich and thick vocal performance is what you get on this CD. Tjodalv (drums) could rank right up there with the likes of the great Dave Lambardo. There is a dual guitar attack on this disc that is very tight and well done. Cyrus and Elvorn highlight each others talents and make for great bookends for the band. As for the Bass Memnock brings in a bottom end that would crush your chest. Over all this is a fine piece of work although I would hope that they would experiment a little on the next one to just see if they could come up with something a little more original and all there own. Not that this disc is bad its just that is all has been done before but what makes me like this CD is the Bonding and advancement that they have made as a band and with there sound since the first disc. Any fan of PANTERA, TESTAMENT, and DRAGONLORD will love this CD. This is a must have for any serious thrash metal fan.

note: 9 out of 10

Tracklist

CAGE OF REMEMBRANCE
THE BITTER MAN
ANGUISHED SCREAM
PETRIFIED
THE BOUNTY HUNTER
COMPLETION
WARMASTER
DEAD MANS WORLD
CAST LIFE INTO FIRE
BLEED YOURSELF