Steel Attack "Diabolic Symphony" (Locomotive)
By Guest Author
Thursday. Dec 07, 4:04 PM
Stalwart Swedish power metal.

(by Jason Nufryk)

With a name like Steel Attack, it’s reasonable to expect just one thing: unapologetic heavy metal. Expectations are easily met, as this Swedish quintet manifests a metal blitzkrieg on its fifth full-length album, Diabolic Symphony. The grandiose power metal that runs through this release isn’t by any means novel: falsetto vocals, lightning fast tempos, and lavishing guitar solos all make standard appearances. Nevertheless, Diabolic Symphony is power metal done right.

The title track opener starts off by incorporating one of a few keyboard elements used on the album that complements the music surprisingly well. The song’s catchy riff and frontman Ronny Hemlin’s powerful vocals are signs of things to come. “Dead Forever” and “Dreaming” continue the furious guitar work showcased through superbly written songs. Even the awkward keyboard flourishes on “Shallow Seas of Hatred” can’t stop the album’s momentum, as Steel Attack slice through gems like “Show Me the Way” (which employs an interesting growl accompanying Hemlin’s epic melody), scarcely losing their edge. The plodding rhythm of penultimate track “I Bow My Head in Shame” lends further credence to Steel Attack’s impressive craftsmanship.

Despite the abundance of chaotic solos, the guitars never delve into eye-rolling self-indulgence. Indeed, the musicianship is tight on all fronts, and although Hemlin’s vocals are rather commonplace, they’re implemented well enough to be that last factor necessary in the album’s competence. Not every song is a winner, but enough are instantly memorable for this to be inconsequential; the album as a whole firmly holds itself together. A straightforward execution of the power metal style, Diabolic Symphony is a solid outing that’s sure to please fans of this subgenre of heavy metal music, and may even draw in some newcomers.
www.steelattack.com
www.locomotiverecords.com

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Jason Nufryk

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