Gothenburg-influenced metal. There's quite a lot of it, right? Well, now there's more of it! Italian Subliminal Fear are another band with a liking to sound created by that Swedish town's pioneering bands. You know, In Flames, At The Gates, Dark Tranquillity? If you don't, you've been living in a cave for last 15 or so years.

However, it is impossible to file SF under "Gothenburg-influenced metal" bands. They are well influenced by that sound, but they have a slight thrash metal edge. Whereas these Gothenburg bands have loads of melody, SF have more riff-based songs. Ripping if somewhat pointless solo parts and 'Anger of Betrayed's short slower parts in the middle are vital for the songs, because familiar riffing and Tomas Lindberg-esque vocals alone can't be enough for songs as long as these. SF must work for originality to stand above mass of similar bands.

The band's performance is energetic, the sound is really bass heavy in a good way, and generally the demo has been presented nicely in every way. All the elements work well together and this time around even Lindberg-esque (read: At The Gates-esque) vocals do not annoy me. Only pronunciation reveals the band's homeland.

Even though SF lack of originality, they still do their thing better than some bands which have actually released albums of this type of metal. Above average this time, how about next time?

Reviewed by Lane
12/27/2005 14:35