Swedish Loch Vostok made a promising album in 2011's 'Dystopium'. Its intense yet melodic progressive metal was a bit characteristic, but most of all functional. However, the next one was offer for reviewing in digital format, so it was passed. No time for every promo... Come March 2015, and the sixth full-length album 'From These Waters' was unleashed, and I got a physical copy of it, so...

Here's similarities in this and 'Dystopium' albums. The band's melodious doings owe something to Evergrey. At the most extreme, the band plays modern death metal. From Evergrey to Devin Townsend (both heavier and more melodic styles), and then to the likes of Soilwork; therein, Loch Vostok operate. The band have managed to find their signature characteristics in their melodiousness, even though Evergrey comes to my mind here and there. One basic element is vocals of Teddy Möller (also plays guitar). His voice is love/hate kind of a thing. I see it as a forte. So, he can hit the notes, but his voice has a lot of slow vibration a lot at times, and a bit hollering. Anyway, it is pretty unique, but one vocalist it reminds me of, but only every now and then, is Warrel Dane (Nevermore). Then there are these growled, metalcore-ish voices. Harsh and gritty they are, but also more metalcore than death metal, sadly. I just do not enjoy listening to this type of vocals, period.

Talking about metalcore, music-wise it is there. And it's a quite a voluminous part of this. This contains chugging low-tuned guitars and breaks in vein of that music style, and not in vein of old death metal. Yep, this album is modern. It doesn't sound badly outdated, because Loch Vostok are mixing progressive melodiousness and metalcore bustle together in a way I haven't quite heard it done before. Talking about progressive melodiousness; nice riff and rhythm mazes have been created on many a song. The songs can sometimes mislead a listener, if not given full observation. There are various calmer parts with more languid guitars, and serene synthesizer playing. The drummer Lawrence Dinamarca is one powerhouse! I'm not going to count them, but this one includes so much different kind of drum beats, rolls and tricks, that I assure that all you drummer will enjoy listening to this.

Rhythms guitars do remind of Evergrey, no any kind of doubt about that! Similar in repressed heaviness, like e.g. on 'Monday Morning Apocalypse' (2006). Lead guitar work is mostly about nimble-fingered, well thought-out solos, because most of the melodies are created with vocals and keyboards. Sometimes it sounds thick, other times very wide, open soundscape, with a lot of space. And they switch between the two without any glitches occuring. The production doesn't sound plastic, even though modern. It surely is punchy, but also let's all different elements to show when wanted to. It was recorded by Mr. Möller, so points for this work. Every musician gets his spot, without a doubt. In a sentence: There is a lot to be discovered here.

And so is it in the lyrics. They depict human minds: Stupidity, greed, egoism, all of filth. They go further than just scratching surface. 'Dead Sea Trolls'? Yep, the lyrics are more intelligent than generally in metal music. We got Satans and fantasies, so there is room for this kind of commentary, too.

'Dystopium' was a rather epic album. This time around the band amplified the amount of harder elements. Old times' power metal influences are conspicuously absent, again. Still at being catchy, this does the job every now and then. Despite the modern stylings, I still enjoy it quite a bit. For a big part, that is the due to the band's characteristic traits. The cover artwork is the worst thing about the album, due to that comic style font used in titles. There is much more to be found and get inside here, though.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/15/2015 20:40