After 2007s debut album 'December', Irish metal band For Ruin have struggled with line-up changes, but are already ready with their second full length album 'Last Light'. This digital-only EP 'Enlightened' is a taster of what to come, but also a look in the past.

Starting with the instrumental 'Crawl', the band dive deep into the waters of 1990s melodic death metal. Insane blasting, memorable riffage and melodies welcome a listener into new-born For Ruin. The song is also presented in its demo form, which sounds way more "authentic", if thinking about the style of the song itself. 'Care of the Dead' continues the style, and deepens my belief, that For Ruin have a winner in their hands, so catchy yet metal it is. Something like "Irish Unanimated meets British Isles' anguish" is what I think is near how For Ruin sound, thank to tremolo riffs and beautiful yet dark and well... metal melodies! 'In Suffering' begins with calm and moody melody, soon ripping into blackish melancholy and murkiness. It does miss melody, but still well hummable. 'Towards an End' is a remixed song (with some balls added), from the debut album, showing the band's ability to make catchy tremolo riffage. The vocals are the biggest con, being low and demonic enough barking growl, but still also quite unvaried. The production sounds sharp, if a bit unlevel and hollow. The reason might well, and hopefully, be in MP3 format.

This marketing trick raised my expectations high. The debut isn't a bad one, but these three newbies are very, very promising indeed. Breaking the barrier between melody and brutality, it is interesting to see how 'Last Light' will do. If the terms "British Isles' anguish", "death metal", "black metal" and "1990s" sound like a good mix, then check this band out ASAP. The score is for the music, not the media. By the way, it comes with "covers" art.

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/24/2009 20:22