Artist: Portrait
Title: Crossroads
Genre: Heavy Metal
Release Date: 29th April 2014
Label: Metal Blade Records
Album Review
This infernal metal band was formed in 2006 as the label puts it “with the intention to exterminate the entire world” as the press text say. They quickly became a big name in the underground scene, the first 7” EP came out in 2007. In the year 2008 they released their self-titled debut ‘Portrait’ over Iron Kodex Records/ High Roller Records. The Album of which the band sold approximately 5,000 copies was a high seller for the label who almost only released music from cult bands like MANILLA ROAD or TROUBLE. The critical acclaim was unexpected. The release of the follow up ‘Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae’ in 2011 pushed the band forward a lot. So her I sit six minutes into the witching hour and listen to the new output ‘Crossroads’…
My first impression is that this band is growing on me, I have to admit I didn`t like their last output very much or I wasn`t ready for PORTRAIT (it`s possible). Per Langstedt`s voice is unique and you either love or hate it (I am still undecided) but the overall musical approach is so very metal it almost hurts (in a good way), the vocals fits into the surrounding instrumental architecture like a glove. The whole sound is very epic and sometimes reminds me of bands like KING DIAMOND and at times even JUDAS PRIEST. If you are an old school metal head and have a heart for the occult you will fall in love with this record very fast.
I for one cannot wait for an opportunity to buy their beautiful merchandise and I hope there will be a chance to Interview them.
Tracklist
01. Liberation
02. At the Ghost Gate
03. We were not alone
04. In Time
05. Black Easter
06. Ageless Rites
07. Our Roads must never Cross
08. Lily
Line-up
Per Lengstedt – vocals
Christian Lindell –guitars
David Olofsson – guitars
Mikael Castervall – bass
Anders Persson – drums
Website
https://www.facebook.com/portraitsweden
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 7.5
Sound: 7.5
Total: 7.5 / 10
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