CD Review: Marionette - Nerve

Written by Eva Brem Wednesday, 25 January 2012 15:49

Artist: Marionette
Title: Nerve
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Release Date: 5th December 2011
Label: Gordeon Music

Album Review

MARIONETTE is yet another interesting melodic death metal band from Sweden. There must be something about Sweden that makes it the perfect lair for melodic death metal in the same way that Norway has become the arboretum of black metal. A phenomenon known as the “Gothenburg Metal” where local metal bands started using elements of progressive rock to complement their heavy riffs resulted in the whole new metal genre represented by bands such as DARK TRANQUILITY, SOILWORK, AT THE GATES and IN FLAMES. In 2005, another band was born in this busy metal hive - Marionette. When founded the age of the average band’s member was just sixteen what I think is something rather remarkable since it has only taken them six years to achieve rather a lot in terms of musical proficiency.

‘Nerve’ really is something. The opening track ‘From Marionette With Love’ serves as a powerful and truthful introduction to the whole album. Personally, I find the guitar riff extremely appealing and this is my favourite element of this composition. In short words this track is a kick-ass! Visceral vocals and aggressive post-hardcore riffs paired with proficient guitar tunes are present throughout the album. This should not be a surprise considering that this is exactly what melodic death metal is about. Some guitar solos on this album resemble epic metal but most of the work remains faithful to the genre and brings to mind bands such as In Flames. The band doesn’t seem to be afraid of experimenting and their efforts work out remarkably well. The track entitled ‘Revelation 6:8’ features a reference to the Apocalypse: “And I looked, and behold a pale horse/ and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him/ And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth/ to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth”.

One would expect a composition loaded with heavy metal riffs and rather rabid if not satanic. But instead the clear vocal line starts to resemble APOPTYGMA BERZERK or PAIN taken to the extremes. Frankly, I am not keen on such a combo but I suppose it has its charm and makes the whole track sound a lot fresher and exciting. The last track is definitely one of my favourites, together with the opening one. ‘När Du Ruttnar Bort’ (‘When You Rot Away’) is a fast, powerful and vengeful track that resembles the best achievements of bands like Emperor both in atmosphere and sound. As a sworn fan of Scandinavian black metal it is a true pleasure for me to have found such a gem on this album.

The album was produced by Fredrik Nordström, famous for his cooperation with bands such as In Flames, Dimmu Borgir and At The Gates. Frankly, I have no doubts that Marionette with ‘Nerve’ can be added to this hall of fame as this album is very promising, very intriguing and at times - absolutely amazing! I have no doubt that we will hear about Marionette again – they seem to be able to combine technical proficiency with creativity in a way that should and hopefully will win them recognition.


Tracklist

01. From Marionette With Love - 4:04
02. Stand In Line - 3:17
03. Act of Violence - 2:10
04. Remember Your Name - 4:58
05. Revelation 6:8 - 3:50
06. A New High - 5:31
07. Something Forgotten - 3:13
08. Smile or Die Trying - 4:12
09. The Last - 2:54
10. När Du Ruttnar Bort - 2:20
11. Brand New Day - 3:26
12. Lights Out - 6:19
13. Overdose*
14. The Sun, The Skies, The Clarity and Light*
*Only available on physical album version


Line-up

Alexander Andersson - Vocals
Aron Parmerud - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Mikael Medin - Bass
Anton Modig - Guitars
Linus Johansson - Keyboards
Jimmie Olausson - Drummer


Website

www.marionette.se / www.facebook.com/marionettesweden / www.myspace.com/marionettesweden / www.twitter.com/marionetteswe


Cover Picture




Rating

Sound: 9.5
Music: 9.5
Total: 9.5 / 10