Sweden’s Tiamat have been knocking around the Metal underground for nearly twenty years.  Throughout their career, they’ve taken many stylistic leaps and really tested their audience’s attention capacity and loyalty.  Their boldness should be applauded but like any other band that jumps from one style to another from album to album, they’ve had as many misses as they’ve had successes.

Armed with a new record deal after a few years in slumber, Tiamat have returned with Amanethes.  The new album finds them returning to their Metal roots a bit more than their most recent outings which had them falling more into a Goth-Rock feel.  They explore a doomier sound on “Will They Come?” and “Raining Dead Angels” retains the Death Metal flavorings that brought them a world audience so many years back.

So yes, Tiamat have given their older fans what they’ve been asking for these last few years.  The problem is, while the band has delivered the kinds of riffs that recall their more popular songs, the material isn’t compelling enough to hold your attention.  Besides the stellar stomp of “Equinox of the Gods,” nothing in the performances really jumps out at you.  Front man, Johan Edlund has proven he has the musical vision and know-how to lead the band on albums like Wildhoney and Clouds.  On Amanethes Edlund seems to be unfocused or perhaps, uninspired.  Whatever the case, the album suffers without the charm and dynamic performances that made the band triumph at their peak.  Ultimately, Amanethes, as an album, falls flat of delivering on the promise of “Equinox of the Gods.” 

Rating: 5.5/10
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Website: www.nuclearblastusa.com

By Carlos Ramirez

source: smnnews