Germany's own
Metalium are ready with their 8'th output, and once again invite us to sing along to tales of freedom, slavery, loyalty and the love of Metal in typical melodic-but-fast-paced manner.
If you are unfamiliar with
Metalium, they sound very typical of the style, with double kick drums, melodic guitars, catchy refrains and high-pitched vocal. Bands like
Blind Guardian,
Running Wild,
Primal Fear and
Gamma Ray can remain calmly seated on their Metal thrones as some of Germany's finest, though, and need not fear to be overthrown by
Metalium any day soon.
Metalium is the sort of band, where I feel everything is quite all right, without ever getting spectacular and the eighth chapter in their career doesn't change that.
Metalium quickly found a formula for the music they wanted to play, and since the first album, every release has pretty much offered more of the same. If you have ever heard any one of the band's other albums, you already know exactly what this album sounds like, and whether you will like it or not. The lack of surprises will be a turn-on for those, who feel that
Metalium already have perfected their art, and a source of boredom for those who had hoped the band would evolve a little more during their career. The good news is, that the level of consistency is pretty high, as no songs sticks out as being really bad. The bad news is, that nothing strikes you as mind-blowing either.
One of the reasons the album is worth your time is the performances of the musicians. Bassist
Lars Ratz is the main songwriter, and has composed some nice tunes, and delivers some enjoyable basslines. I always had a weak spot for
Henning Basse's screaming but somehow emotional vocals. In general, these guys are good craftsmen, who know how to handle their instruments and write a catchy refrain. That some songwriting talent is present, is evident on tracks like the almost epic
Pharao's Slavery, the power rocker
Pay The Fee and the soaring
Fallen Into Darkness. In fact, most of the songs one Grounded are easy to get into and enjoy. Still, I feel like something is missing to take it to the next level and make it completely spellbinding.
The lyrics are dangerously close to being too unintentionally funny. Songs about "fuck everything that's not Metal" can be great and glorious, but the opener Heavy Metal, just seem a little silly. The way Henning Basse spits out the words
"we are Heavy Metal! If you don't like it - fuck you!" make me giggle a bit every time.
I can't help but wonder what a band like this would be capable of, if they took just a few more chances with their music and incorporated a few new elements here and there. The album is mostly recommendable for fans of
Metalium and people highly addicted to this type of music. All others should listen before buying.
It's good, solid and satisfying Power Metal that just never gets truly spectacular.
Written by
Nina Sunday, December 20, 2009
Show all reviews by NinaRatingsNina: 6/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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