There is a lot to be said about a band that evolves.
Tad Morose, with their sixth release, has evolved not in such a matter that they completely change their sound, or go off into some odd direction that leaves their early fans alienated and their main audience searching for other outlets,
Tad Morose has grown to stand out as one of the forerunners of melodic metal.
Modus Vivendi, has the band moving beyond just your run-of-the-mill power metal, leaning more towards melodic songwriting structures and straight ahead playing to create melodies and harmonies playing against a backdrop wall of complete metallic splendor brought forth with more of a straight ahead rock sound. In other words, it has the old school flare but with the modern touch.
Combining the classic elements of
Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, along with elements of
Iced Earth and Radakka, Modus Vivendi is aggressive and melodic through and through. It proves a much stronger release than any other of their past endeavors, and with this endeavor, this Swedish quintet trusts more and more strength upon release after release. Completely a full-blown rush of strategically performed metal opuses, lacking any bullshit material just to fill up the record just for the sake of filling up the record. Opening up with
"Annubis" and the follow up cut,
"No Mercy" filled with aggressive hooks and the diverse playing that extends beyond just your run-of-the-mill power metal sound, making it clear that the musicianship presented here is more than just your quick double bass rhythm copulated with the repetitive power chords.
"Afraid to Die" and
"Take on the World" add the more darker approach to a more bright sounding record, complete with the "Viking" style harmonies, tending to dominate the hooks throughout this record. Other than a pseudo-ballad titled
"Cyberdome" the record is a constant trust of melodic metal, also found in cuts like
"Life in a Lonely Grave" and
"Mother Shipton's Words," making this record undeniably one of the most stand out releases to come out of the power metal scene.
The record lacks all the overly progressive and symphonic connotations, creating a more in your face sound, perfect to compliment the guitar work of Krunt Andersson and Daniel Olsson, as well as the vocal chops of Urban Breed, whom sounds like a cross between a rougher Rob
Halford and Matthew Barlow (formerly of
Iced Earth). It just makes for an excellent record. Defiantly a feat for these guys, and lots of fans and metalheads will be impressed by this release, worth checking out.
Written by
Hashman Friday, January 2, 2004
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