Oulu's Mors Subita have always been about melodic death metal. Their debut demo ('Synopsis', released in 2003) was close to 'Clayman' (2000) era In Flames. Throughout the years, the band have mutated, but inside the boundaries of the genre.

'Sound of Spite' is the band's fourth release to date. 'Glance of Fear' begins with the band firing modern metal. After 1:40 minutes, the familiar Gothenburg melodeath elements begin to surge in vein of cheerful lead guitar work. Groove metal piece 'Blood behind' is more like modern Gorefest with its negative charge. 'S.C.S.' and 'Addiction Queen' are pure modern Gothenburg metal, but about the less cheerful side of it. 'For Her Enemies' is a slower, a bit more melancholic song. Every song is listenable, but the song material is pestered with facelessness. It's no In Flames style anymore, but more like The Haunted and Arch Enemy pile driving.

Mors Subita sound angrier than ever before. Vocalist's intense growl is piercing (like a male version of one Angela Gossow) and that's the only style used. The instrumentalists' work is good all around; there is nothing too straight, but always some small trickery going on, from guitars to bass to drums. While still self-produced, this is better than demo in its sound quality.

Mors Subita know their trade, but the style is so oversupplied nowadays, that it is hard to stand up from the crowd. However, with 'Sound of Spite' they have managed to carve their small niche. If more vicious side of Gothenburg metal with modern metalcore elements (emphasis strongly on the first one) makes your trouser bottoms shake, Mors Subita might be right down your street.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/06/2010 12:39