19/04/04

NORTHER / DEATH UNLIMITED

This is the 3rd album from Finish band Norther and like the last one it’s full of Progressive Death Metal, mixing my 2 favourite types of Metal into one very strong sonic brew.

Their style is like a cross between Hypocrisy crossed with Stratovarius, which means you get top notch Death Metal with some very classy, classically inspired keyboards that don’t dominate but interact with brilliant results. This is aptly demonstrated by the title track "Death Unlimited" which is actually a hit single in their native Finland, (I always knew the Fins had good taste), the gargantuan riffs interlaced with the keyboard and guitar dual makes for very pleasant listening indeed.

The fact that they manage to putt all of this off and sound very melodic is a minor miracle in it’s self but when you consider that they haven’t sold out either makes this CD unbeatable. If you didn’t buy "Mirror Of Madness", shame on you but you can redeem yourself by buying this great CD. Listen out for a tack on my next show.

TOTAL PLAYING TIME = 51 mins + 12 TRACKS