Review Summary: another good one
I was planning to pick apart this album. A vast multitude of angles were neatly positioned in front me, and I was ready to launch missiles. Amaranthe have proven themselves to be a one-trick-pony (which is an understatement), and many thoughts conjoined to formulate one all-encompassing strike with lightning effects. The sheer weight of this strike would cast aside any stragglers thinking of me as just an Amaranthe fanboy, thus incapable of seeing all sides of an argument. This was my designated plan, yet then the music struck back. I felt the rhythm. Much more than recycling and reusing, the offered soundscape is a masterful retelling of their old style, with some new renditions. While there are few surprises, the biggest surprise is how solid the band continue to be so late in the game. Despite lineup changes, they retain the same sound. Their equal parts pop and power metal charged music brings as many memorable, powerful choruses and lovely vocals as they are known for. Perhaps their harmonization in choruses is a bit old school, and an overplayed hand, yet it remains effective. An unchanged wallpaper, this band brings you that fuzzy, nostalgic feeling estatically.
If you grew up listening to this group, this release should suit you. The harmonized choruses (so cheesy sounding) sound akin to their debut; yet, their sci-fi, light trance aesthetic is pulled from their second album. Conjoined with their modern pop production tricks, and sparkling sound, and another catchy album is churned out. Do we need another album? No, this is overzealous, but they’re giving us the same energy and are quite unstoppable. Their tireless efforts are commendable, as they mass produce the same thing over and over again. It’s your fault if you grow out of the flavour.
Sadly, Damnation Flame is a black sheep song. The promised symphonic gloriousness that Amaranthe now wield is really only noticeable in the one song. As such, any disappointment I had when listening to this new album was due to the way it was advertised. Nonetheless, Amaranthe are certainly recycling and reusing old material, and it does not become a guessing game regarding which songs are pulled from which albums, because it’s astoundingly obvious. Those who have grumbled about Amaranthe in the past will find the exact same negatives arising. The worst that can be said is simple: it’s not their best album. Regardless of intention, many riffs sound copied and pasted. Even some of the more unique parts in the album sound like they’ve been done before. However, in each inspired song from this album, a new, enchanting melody is written, along with unique riffs and atmospheres. You are, after all, receiving a new album.
So, is it good or not? It’s your call.
Listening to the album for the first time, I was on the fence about it, mainly due to feeling like I needed to have some negative opinion surrounding a potentially tired band. I continue to be a fan of this band though, because their formula is entirely potent and effective every time. Cheesy is one thing, though this group brings seasoned singing and melodies that outshine everything else they offer. They reveal their heart through their gorgeously done, catchy melodies and harmonies, with the interchange of vocalists done equally seasoned. The group is a masterful act, and there’s no sense in pretending otherwise.
