STABBING THE DRAMA
Ever since our own FoundryMusicMarc turned me on to SOILWORK with his double review of
Natural Born Chaos and
Figure Number Five, I have been a fan of this Swedish export. Much like Devin Townsend (who has produced them in the past) of STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, and FEAR FACTORY, Soilwork has mastered the art of blending crushing guitar riffs, virtuoso guitar work, and catchy melodies.
Stabbing The Drama is the band's sixth studio disc, and cements their place as seasoned veterans of the metal genre. The band's work ethic is a force to be reckoned with; they crank out amazing songs like they're coming off a heavy metal assembly line. Inspiration is obviously not a problem for Soilwork.
Take "Nerve" for example; its thunderous opening riffs, haunting keyboard lines, and growling vocals come at you like a sledgehammer, and seamlessly blend into a melodic chorus that showcases singer Bjorn Strid's amazing vocal chops. It's not easy to transition from a death metal growl to a melodic vocal line, and Strid makes it seem effortless.
I think my favorite track on the disc is "Distance", because it's very representative of Soilwork's personality as a band. It begins with a ferocious guitar and drum assault, and by the time the chorus hits, you're listening to a very hummable chorus. The guitar work of Peter Wichers and Ola Frenning is the kind of playing I wish would get more attention in mainstream rock publications, because it's aggressive, but tasteful. Wichers and Frenning have the ability to melt your face off with their playing, but have the good sense to hold back for the good of the song, and I really respect that talent.
It remains to be seen how much of an impact Soilwork will make on the U.S. market, but the fact that bands like SHADOWS FALL, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, and LAMB OF GOD are doing well in the heavy music scene is promising. Mainstream success may prove to be elusive, simply because most Americans aren't exposed to music like this frequently enough to appreciate it. Soilwork could very easily become the JUDAS PRIEST for the new millenium if promoted correctly. I'd love to see them with a package tour like the
Jagermeister Music Tour, because they'd be a perfect fit...promoters take note (yeah, like I'm going to make any of them raise an eyebrow...eh, you never know).
