Recent Reviews

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


Soilwork: The Panic Broadcast
Soilwork The Panic Broadcast new music review

Soilwork The Panic Broadcast

Melodic Death Metal
Rating: 3.75/5.0

Nuclear Blast Records
www.myspace.com/soilwork
www.soilwork.org
Review: Craig Hartranft,  06.21.2010

Melodic death metal bands are a 'dime-a-dozen' these days. They're all trying to capitalize on the whole modern extreme metal scene that seems to be a commercial success among our victimized youth. But it's merely a trojan horse, a smoke screen, for those surrendering to the status quo. A band like Sweden's Soilwork is a likely exception simply because they were there in those heady early days, and continue with sincerity.

Soilwork's latest The Panic Broadcast proves why they are masters of melodic death metal. The correct formula is apparent: a foundation of thrash metal, a dose of harsh extreme vocals, a small measure of power metal, and a strong pinch of metal melody, with everything wrapped up in a heavier than lead sound. Soilwork is the real deal. The album also marks the return of long-time Soilwork guitarist and founder Peter Wichers, who also picks up the role as the album's producer.

However, while they can be a standard by which others are judged, everything seems familiar. Just listen to Late for the Kill, The Thrill, or Night Comes Clean, and everything seems similar, unsurprising, and predictable. But it all sounds so good. If you distilled the harsh vocals to nothing creating pure melodic heavy/thrash metal than The Panic Broadcast would deal a kill shot. The Thrill comes so close. Actually, if you bounce the harsh vocals and abusive heaviness, The Panic Broadcast could pass as melodic prog metal with a thrash foundation. But I'm only creating a hypothesis here. Anyway, this work is a huge rush of energy and creativity and, as always, the best part is the music and not those tired extreme vocals. Late for the Kill Early for the Slaughter, The Thrill, Deliverance, Night Comes Clean, and Enter Dog of Pavlov are pure entertainment if excusing the dirty vocals. Overall The Panic Broadcast is solid Soilwork and some of the best melodic, emphasis on melodic, death metal can offer. If you can get by the extreme vocals, you will dig this album. Recommended!

CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

In Short

The Panic Broadcast is solid Soilwork and some of the best melodic, emphasis on melodic, death metal can offer. If you get by the extreme vocals, you will dig this album. Recommended!

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Lionville: Supernatural Album Review

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]