Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Portrait
Title
Burn The World
Type
LP/EP
Company
Metal Blade
YOR
2017
Style
Traditional
8/23/2017 - Review by: Vinaya Saksena
Just enough spice to freshen up a familiar recipe
These Swedes were a guilty pleasure of mine right from the Mercyful Fate worship of their early days. While their metal is trad, it has never been without creativity--especially in recent years. The loss of a guitarist and bassist since 2014's 'Crossroads' seems to have had little effect. The essential elements of their sound are intact: Per Lengstedt's abrasive wail; Anders Persson's solid beats and tasty fills; Christian Lindell's aggressive, eerie yet melodic riffing and deft, piercing solos. But Portrait keep things fresh enough to prevent fans from tuning out. (Note the organ solo on "Likfassna.") One difference this time--the presence of more intricate riffing and longer, more complex song structures. Just enough spice to freshen up a familiar recipe.
Recommended for fans of: Mercyful Fate, Overdrive, Euro Metal in general
PERSONAL BREAKDOWN:

ENJOYMENT
MUSIC
VOCALS
PRODUCTION
ARTWORK
LYRICS


  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    3.5 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: PORTRAIT
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Burn The World
2017
Metal Blade
Vinaya Saksena8/23/2017
3.5

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: PORTRAIT
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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