MP3: Coldworker - Citizens of the Cyclopean Maze
It's been a long time since I've heard any melodic Swedish death metal that matches the quality of the stuff the Göteborg scene churned out in the mid-90s, long enough that I've pretty much given up hope. Which is fine really, there were enough quality releases back then that still stand the test of time. There's no need to revisit that sound, but that doesn't stop people from trying. Coldworker is most definitely not a melodic metal act, but just like they aren't a grind band either, that doesn't stop them from incorporating elements from various subgenres as they see fit. To go from harsh blastbeats into a riff that wouldn't be out of place on an In Flames album might seem a little incongruous, but they pull it off admirably. And I always love a good pinch-harmonic riff. They do stray a bit too far into riff-salad territory, especially around the solo section, however I have to say that it works overall in the grand scheme of things. It's always good to hear solid, new Swedish death metal that doesn't rely on the old rulebook.
Coldworker - Citizens of the Cyclopean Maze