Engel haven’t had the best of luck with their career, what with the first label they were signed with, SPV filing for bankruptcy and all. Then as issues with SPV continued, despite Threnody being complete by the end of 2008, Engel were unable to release the record until 2010. Happily signed to French label, Season of Mist, their second album finally reached fans. And here they are with their sophomore record, Threnody, a strong effort throughout.
Threnody - Review
Seeing as Engel are a Swedish death metal band, people automatically expect copious amounts of evil, and everything to the extreme. Threnody, however is not what one would imagine of a Scandinavian release.
Threnody falls more closely to the nu-metal side of the music spectrum. Engel have included some great industrial sounds in this record, especially in the opening track “Six Feet Deep”, that boasts 80’s styled keyboards, with a nice blend of rough and clean vocals. Not forgetting the meaty riffs and hooks to keep things metal.
Most songs on Threnody include a catchy chorus and rhythm that draws you in. “ Sense The Fire ” is clearly the anthem of the album, with a chorus that just screams “sing along” and following “Six Feet Deep”, is an extra adrenalin boost.
Engel have created a fairly diverse record with the heavy charged tracks of “Feed The Weak”, “Every Sin (Leaves A Mark)”, and the standout power track, “Threnody”. Alongside are the softer, ballad type tracks “To The End” and “Perfect Isis”. “To The End” is the first offering of Engel’s more sentimental side, and while a nice radio friendly song, it’s almost a little too weak for this record. The album closer, “Perfect Isis” is a better example of how talented these guys are, and their ability to pull off a slower song.
With Threnody, Engel have effectively become a band that is ravenous, a little bit wicked, genuine and powerful; while still remaining accessible. Engel are an understated band, yet with all that Threnody offers, it may just give them the recognition they deserve.
Members of Engel are known for their work in other bands such as, In Flames, The Crown, The Haunted and Gardenian. Engel have also shared the stage with Still Remains, Amon Amarth and Dimmu Borgir. They are definitely a force to be reckoned with and with a new label, things should start to run more smoothly for them, allowing them to take the metal world by storm.
So, be sure to watch out for Engel in 2011.
Christine Caruana - My name is Christine, I am an aspiring music journalist. I am currently a writer for Loud Australia Magazine where so far I have ...
