Ireland's For Ruin have been a characteristic band since the beginning. They do not agree to stand in one genre, or stick with one mood. Sometimes they are far more open that many a metal band. 'Last Light' is the band's second full length album. Let's see how it is after the good taster EP 'Enlightened'.

In the music of For Ruin, death metal, black metal and dark metal are mixed. The Irish, and generally The British Isles' as whole, metal music history from such styles is the basis. Then the band can travel north with their music, especially to Sweden, and why not to Norway too. But simultaneously to Mediterranean latitudes. From Sweden, it is Unanimated, whose unconventional melody work's influence can be heard in For Ruin's music. From Norway I can name black metal generally. From Greece it is the similar arcane aura that Rotting Christ possesses. For Ruin have absolutely their own way to bring a diverse array of atmospheres into an album, even into a single song. They go from brutality to beautiful things, from melancholy to mystical feelings. For Ruin possess pervasive melody work, in excessive proportions. But it works because a melody is altered a bit or more. This way a song or the album itself does not become stagnant or repetitive. Even though For Ruin's music certainly carries a soul that gushes from the first half of 1990s, it sounds very fresh indeed.

The album is gorgeously performed. The guitars carry a variety of tones, that create the feelings in a fine way. The bass and the drums are played, not just plain played; they are soulful. The vocals are black metal style raspy growl, petty demonic may I add, that do not change a lot during the album, but still work well as an instrument. While the production is now clean and the instruments can be easily heard, the album misses the low frequencies. It is not sturdy enough.

'Last Light' can be downloaded for free from the band's website, even though it's of inferior quality. But try it, so you'll know if you want to pay for it. For Ruin glow of character, so the fans of Irish metal, and dark metal generally, must check this out. Now.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
11/10/2009 21:17