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Lava Engine: In Limbo (EP)

Progressive Rock/Metal

3.5/5.0

Liljegren Records
Website Facebook MySpace
by Craig Hartranft,  02.21.2011

I'm not sure Sweden's Lava Engine is as clever as they think they are or as the reviewers say they are. With their second EP In Limbo, Lava Engine (and their PR materials) suggest an affiliation with a profound company of artists including Porcupine Tree, Muse, Dream Theater, Opeth, Riverside, and Paradise Lost. (Oh yeah, there's some suggestion of emo here; I hate emo.) I'm not sure I'm willing to extend them that kinship.

Certainly, musicianship is not an issue here: this band is quite good. Yet, excepting the attractive and accessible Common Ground and the closing portions of Windows Closed, In Limbo is a dark and heavy piece of, sometimes, remarkable but predictable modern rock.

The funny thing is this: I liked it. While not necessarily the most inventive thing, I was struck by the layers of Muse-like atmosphere and Ronnie Jaldemark's interesting guitar work. Lava Engine's In Limbo is worthy of your attention and, possibly, a purchased download. Between their superb musicianship and modern context, I believe Lava Engine has a promising future.

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

Lava Engine's In Limbo is worthy of your attention and, possibly, a purchased download. Between their superb musicianship and modern context, I believe Lava Engine has a promising future.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]