By Monk
Triumphs, tragedies, rebirths and upheavals… Life is often defined by its moments of revelation.’The Catalyst’, the latest studio offering from the Swedish symphonic metal project driven by the almost singularly-focussed mindset of founder and guitarist Olof Mörck, sees the band re-emerge from a three-year period of reflection and renewal, with an album they undoubtedly hope lives up to its title, by serving not only as a catalyst for change (not least in terms of the debut of a new singer) but also for advancement to the next level of their collective, and Mörck’s own personal, musical ambitions.
Never ones to adhere strictly to the defined power/symphonic metal tropes, Amaranthe continue to both explore and push their own, and the genre’s, most extreme boundaries, veering very heavily into the territory of EDM, as evinced the lead off title track, before diverting into nu-metal vibes – the percussive work of Morten Løwe Sørensen on the likes of ‘Insatiable’ and ‘Damnation Flame’ would not sound of place in Slipknot – and power pop, even integrating elements of Irish folk music (wtf?). At the same time, they also adhere to many of the expected generic miens, especially in terms of the levels of grandiose pomposity applied throughout.
Amaranthe have always stood apart because of their use of three dedicated lead vocalists – one clean female, one clean male and a growler – and that is very much one of their strengths, as it lends to not only to the almost inevitable soaring harmonics but also the depth of expression they are able to explore and deliver. The pop punk vibe that Elize Ryd possesses also serves to set them aside from many of their counterparts, as she doesn’t rely on high-pitched operatics (although she is more than capable of delivering same) but instead emphasizes and accentuates the sense of melodic fury which permeates every groove.
The addition of Mikael Sehlin is a seamless one, perfectly complementing both Ryd and Nils Molin with his measured, almost understated interjections of violence underneath their searing, dualistic vocal dynamics. Combine with with exquisitely crafted songs which tread the very fine line between pop and metal with the balance of a tightrope walker, and you have an album that appeals on every level, packed to the gills with powerful, memorable hooks and melodies and delivered with ease and aplomb.
- ‘The Catalyst‘ is released today (Friday 23 February).
- Amaranthe have just kicked off a co-headline tour with DragonForce:
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