I know that
when I review new music I tend to pin point a style and bands that sound similar
or have influenced the band in question. And the style Kingcrow play on
this, their fourth album is progressive metal, draws references to bands like
Queensr˙che, as well as the Swedish progressive metal scene without having all
too much in common soundwise. But their way of incorporating Spanish guitars,
piano and acoustic guitars in general do have some common ground with a band
like Pain of Salvation.
Maybe I am
getting harder to please, but "Phlegethon" is like so many other progressive
metal releases these days; it has a very good and clear production, has a close
to flawless deliverance and the technical level is very high, but the album
never really ignites nor does it give me the chills when I listen to it. But
that is not the same as calling this album a failure, by no means!
"Phlegethon"
is without a doubt Kingcrow's best and most complete album to date, and
the songs are strong and well written. A very solid and very pleasing album that
surely will find its fans, I do however miss one or two exceptional songs that
would elevate it into higher territories.
