The Haunted returns with 3 new members in the line-up, however, 2 members are not
really new if you are familiar with The Haunted because they already played in
The Haunted before. Vocalist Marco Aro returned and also drummer Adrian
Erlandsson we already know. The only real new member is Ola Englund on guitar.
Forming members Jensen and Jonas are still there and are the stable factor in
the band. I hope this line-up will be a lasting one because the band sounds as
old.
With Tue Madsen also back behind the buttons, this album sounds very welcome and
rather old school. Gone is the modern approach like one thier last album
'Unseen' and also the clean singing isn't there anymore. Back is Marco Aro with
his aggressive singing style and back is also the thrash songs with groove and a
little punky edge. The intro "317" gives a good idea of what to expect.
Aggressive thrash songs with melo-death influences and a lot of tempo. "Cutting
Teeth" continues the high tempo and opens very aggressive and angry. Besides
that the band still has its groove trademark, but several blast beats pass by
also.
If you like it a little slower, modern and groovier there is a song like "All I
Have", but they vary that immediately with the fast thrash song "Temptation".
After that there is one minute aggression with the song "My Enemy". "Kill the
Light" keeps the high tempo, but has again a nice groove. "Trend Killer" is a
song I also want to mention, with Chuck Billy on guest vocals. A track with a
very heavy riff and of course nice vocal parts. The melodic guitar pieces are
above average on the entire album and the drums are very tight. You hear that
there is a certain anger in the band and they did an excellent job in showing
that in the different tracks. The songs are short but very effective and in my
eyes they have returned to their roots, but with a more modern sound.
Welcome back The Haunted, if you purchase the album you will not regret it any
minute and fans of their first albums will be delighted.
