Unmoored is (one of) the oldest bands of Swedish metal musician Christian Älvestam, who is probably best known as the vocalist of Scar Symmetry (first three albums). While looking at the cover artwork and thinking about the title 'Cimmerian', one would expect something else, I believe, than what is mostly in offer.
If you have taste for death 'n' roll, then you should continue reading, but otherwise you maybe do not need to waste your precious time around here. This actually does carry some traits of old-style Swedish death metal, but is heavy on groovy rhythms. Judging by its cover, I was expecting some fully horror-inclined dödsmetall, for sure!
There are some totally classy death 'n' roll albums in existence, biggest ones being Entombed's 1993 stunner 'Wolverine Blues' and Edge Of Sanity's schizophrenic 'Infernal' from 1997. I myself would rank Desultory's 'Swallow the Snake' and Grave's 'Hating Life' (both released in 1996) on that dubious list, too. Anyway, 'Cimmerian' is not bad for what it is, really, and does carry its own personality. I guess that's why I have had it in my record collection for over 2 decades.
Meaty and ripping guitars are accompanied by melodious, airy lead guitar work, which reminds me about Nightingale (Dan Swanö's another band). It's mostly rock and punky styles, albeit performed very heavy-handedly, similar to Swedish aggro-metal like The Haunted, Carnal Forge etc. So, there's also quite a whiff of old miasma from death metal's Stone Age.
The album is mutating on its way, as the first two songs are more death 'n' roll, but the third one introduces melodic Swedish death metal, pimped up with choruses' lead guitar piece reminiscent of 'Training Montage' of Rocky IV movie (by Vince DiCola; it must be a tribute, come on!). 'Blood by Tragedy' does feature some post-thrash à la Machine Head; for about 40 seconds, so don't let that bother you! Plus, you get a neoclassical soloing after it. Basically there are no two similar songs here, making this rather adventurous, like some Edge Of Sanity albums for example (1997's 'Infernal, anyone?!). The songs are mostly very catchy, and performances carry some big balls. The closer (part 1 of a trilogy going throughout the band's discography) is gloomier with its though, including some acoustic guitar work and being most melodic piece on offer. Quite a shift from a totally straightforward ass kicking piece 'Trenmade Bitch' to a melancholic song with gothic nuances. Could be too much for some, but for those who are more omnivorous, so to speak, it can be a treat.
Christian Älvestam's has many different voices to utilize, to put it mildly. His angry, beary shouts are impactful. The clean voices he presents many times throughout the album is more impactful, in my opinion. It is pretty similar to Dan Swanö's clean voice, but not as low. He's letting some steam out on his lyrics, and as it often goes, it could be real facepalm-material, but still feeling like bonafide uncontrollable angst and spite.
Mr. Älvestam released three Unmoored albums between 1999 and 2003, and then there was time for, again, three Torchbearer (name taken from the 2nd Unmoored album song title) albums, between 2004 and 2011. Those who are looking for them modern sound from Älvestam can check out Solution .45. His CV is long and there are some overlapping stuff, like the last Unmoored platter and Torchbearer material, but things aren't as simple as that, really. If (any of) those death 'n' roll platters mentioned earlier are your favorites, you really should check this one out.
Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained
Reviewed by Lane
01/31/2024 17:21
