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Nightmare: Genetic Disorder
Power/Progressive Metal
Rating: 4.0/5.0

www.nightmare-metal.com
www.regainrecords.com
www.myspace.com/nightmareofficial

Pioneering French metal band Nightmare has returned with another aggressive work of metal mastery. My first introduction to Nightmare came with 2005's 'The Dominion Gate.' Though interesting, I found the work excessively harsh, heavy and dark. With 'Genetic Disorder' the harshness seems all but gone, yet the heaviness and power remains with a good dose classic metal melody. The production is far better than anything in the past thanks to having Fredrik Nordström (Arch Enemy, In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, et al) behind the board. Mr. Nordström easily pulls out the metal intensity in Nightmare's style.

The opening cut 'Nothing Left Behind' throws you off a bit with its original and unusual intro, but soon the metal pummels you like a nail gun. What follows is some powerful metal with more melody and some ripping guitar work, particularly with 'Battleground For Suicide' and 'Leader Of The Masquerade' Jo Amore's vocals still roar and growl with extraordinary confidence as before. Some the aforementioned harshness and darkness returns when you hear 'Conspiracy' where Amore moves more to the edges of dirty vocals. Nightmare redeems themselves on a tune like 'Final Procession,' a driving power metal number of exceptional focus. Some dirty vocals reveal their ugly head about three minutes into the song only to be out classed by some brilliant guitar work. 'The Dominion Gate, Part II' is quite possibly the best cut on the whole album for two reasons. First, Mr. Amore's vocals are more subdued and pleasant, sounding much like a classic metal vocalist. Secondly, there are subtle but prevalent progressive nuances in the arrangement. From this point until the end, you witness some intense power metal. Songs like 'The Winds Of Sin,' 'Forsaken Child,' and 'Wicked White Demon' are exemplary in their shear power. In the end, there is a near mundane consistency here as the songs seem to run together displaying little musical differentiation. However, 'Genetic Disorder' concludes with the phenomenal 'Dawn Of Darkness.' Again, progressive nuances bless this epic metal number.

I found 'Genetic Order' to be a fine example of Nightmare's powerful metal style. This French band may be at the top of their game with this album. If like your metal blistering and powerful, Nightmare's 'Genetic Disorder' is definitely for you. You will not be disappointed. Recommended!
  - Craig Hartranft

In Short

Once again, Nightmare brings intense power metal with progressive undertones on 'Genetic Disorder.' The pace is fast and furious from beginning to end. 'Genetic Disorder' is a definite must buy for fans who love power and fury in their metal.

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