The Suicidal Pleasures
„Down” –
the fourth album of Sentenced. The decisive offering not only because of Taneli
Jarva left the band. The musical style also changed to the end of time. All
death metal influences are gone irrevocably. What is more, a new vocalist Ville
Laihiala stood on the stage. Changes, changes, changes… However, the only
question is: did all these changes mean a good metal music?
But I want
to ask another question: is this new way correct for Sentenced? It’s hard to
believe that composers of “Down” have such a release as “Shadows of the Past”
and even “North from Here” in discography. Here one thing I have to declare:
Finns didn’t record a weak album before “Down” session. They didn’t record even
average stuff. All their metal performances are classic Scandinavian death
metal exclusively, however the third release “Amok” has some new ideas too. The
newest release is the beginning of a new road, where Sentenced found identity
which I call ‘atmospheric heavy metal’ just for myself. I wrote about new
vocalist. Taneli was charismatic personality yet excellent voice of Sentenced
music, but Ville fortunately dispelled fears during the first words of “Noose”.
Laihiala’s manner of singing is specific and quite original, although it is a
mix of Holmes, Hetfield and own talent mostly (and Finnish vodka I guess). No doubt
that the presence of this person in the band is like a breath of fresh air in
this case.
A
mysterious intro “The Gate” opens the album and it is not anything new, ninety
seconds of guitar passages, but at the first listen I can hear another
production. Yes, this is next change: Sentenced moved from Tico-Tico studio to
Woodhouse. The guitars are clearer, richer, however I wonder if this kind of
realization is better than “Amok” sound? All right, both are good, but I think
I prefer more underground face of the band. Back to the music, when intro ends,
the first proper song “Noose” appears – and on the beginning guitarists show
excellent riffs and following arrangement: the stanza with rather mid tempo,
the chorus with mournful melodic tunes and great but short (in my opinion too
short!) solo lead by Tenkula, who plays all the bass lines on the album as well.
This description of songwriting refers to the many tracks, and “Noose” isn’t
exception here. The second song “Shadegrown” has a slow opening with some
acoustic moments, Laihiala singing and crushing guitar lead. Sounds pretty
gorgeous. The only disadvantage is totally useless keyboards parts in chorus. These
two songs run fast, nonetheless the song called “Bleed” is the main highlight
of the album. And I have been always wondering why Finns didn’t name this album
by word ‘bleed’ which precisely describes the matter of lyrics… All right,
let’s back to the music: “Bleed” is fast, energetic, zesty song with excellent
heavy metal chorus. I have to point out on precise communication with music and
Laihiala words. The new vocalist (supported here by harsh Vorph vocals) shows
his talent here. Brilliant Tenkula lead once again decorates whole effort,
though it lasts only 13 seconds. Then cannonade of rhythm section with raging
Ranta behind his drum set, again short guitar solo and this perfect chorus
attack my senses. And on the end the words of Laihiala “…to death!”. For sure
this is one of the best songs ever written by this band.
I divided
this album into three parts for my needs exclusively and after 3:40 of “Bleed” the
first part ends. And I have to admit that “Down” showed the best face. Now all
things are going to be far worse unfortunately. The second part starts with
“Keep My Grave Open” which is mid tempo track, again Vorph supports (and here I
ask: why?) and completely needless keyboards. I think it is rather mediocre
stuff, but the worst is yet to come. Its name: “Crumbling Down (Give Up Hope)”.
Fine beginning of the song doesn’t foreshadow an upcoming disaster: dark,
mysterious first sounds with powerful guitar riffs enriched by oriental-like
solo. And when the song gets 1:36 it appears: vocals of Birgit Zacher. Here she
sings only with no words and repeated it three times. It is awful, horrid and
completely does not refer to the album content. With the last seconds good solo
lead appears but it is covered by female ‘vocals’. Damn it, good song is
ruined, just like me… Yes, I still spend
time in the second part and the next track “Sun Won’t Shine” exposes its goods.
Unfortunately I find here only very good Tenkula performance. After average four
minutes I drown into “Ode to the End”. And to be honest with myself I declare:
this is the weakest effort on this album. Musically (guitar and bass parts) it
is not bad, but with Laihiala words “…I was dying to be dead…” she enters once
again singing four verses… A shameful defeat indeed… This is like a fatal
error, in addition I can hear again useless keyboards… And I ask: why??? Comparing
to the song title, it is a real ode to the end. With no good mark on the end. Fortunately
man invented rewind function…
The next
one is an instrumental “0132” which is the opening of the third and the last
part of “Down”. And as a matter of fact, this is a show of Tenkula uncommon
skills. Then, only two tracks but they are much better than the predecessors.
And with no female vocals fortunately! “Warrior of Life (Reaper Redeemer) has
excellent guitar lead, pulsating bass and broken drums rhythms (esp. in chorus)
as well. Yes, I can breathe again, Sentenced returned! The last “I’ll Throw the
First Rock” is a superb thing on the end of the album, it reminds me of “Bleed”
a bit because of speed, energy and guitars work. And this crazy solo… This is
definitely flawless effort with very interesting finish line.
To sum all
the things up: I really liked a new face of Sentenced (style/vocalist) and I
think this change was a natural process, but my overall mark could be higher. The
female vocals and some keys parts are gross and fatal mistake which destroyed
“Down” atmosphere. It will be repeated on the next studio album with the same
result. The content of “Down” will be remembered without fail. Songs like “Noose”,
“Bleed” or “I’ll Throw the First Rock” are real monoliths in Sentenced
discography. Listening to these pearls I forget about the second part
immediately and dive into Sentenced world. Unfortunately one of them, Miika
Tenkula left the metal stage, but His tunes are immortal.
80/100
-Tlacaxipehualiztli
(previously written for Encyclopaedia Metallum, on August, 2011, now modified a bit)
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