Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Metalium - Nothing To Undo: Chapter Six - 2007 - Crash Music

Track Listing 1. Spineless Scum 2. Spirits 3. Mindless 4. Straight Into Hell 5. Mental Blindness 6. Heroes Failed 7. Way Home 8. Dare 9. Follow The Sign 10. Show Must Go On

The crushing metal forces are back again, rolling through the night like an army of tanks cruising the village for another vicious assault. Germany's Metalium continue to be the proverbial leaders of the power metal movement, providing pulverizing records that seem to gain very little attention within metal circles but still bang heads nonetheless. The group continues to be a mystery as they are probably THE power metal band that could make the huge exchange into mainstream waters. Why? Because the band is so damn heavy, a warbird of speed, finesse, and down-tuned heaviness that exists with the perfect modern high-end production. Bands like Hammerfall, Dragonforce, and Dream Evil have made waves into the commercial bright lights, but for some reason this band simply cannot be on the same channel with the likes of Arch Enemy, Hatebreed, and Six Feet Under and I can't think of a damn reason why they can't. Few bands today can bring this kind of intensity year in and year out consistently and on target each and every time.

The band has released another slab of concrete and steel with their sixth studio record to date, "Nothing To Undo", for Crash Music. The domestic label released the group's last record, the mammoth "Demons Of Insanity" and fans of that record will carry on their excitement to this release. Once again the album is produced by bassist Lars Ratz, who at this point has mastered his producing skills to rival the likes of Colin Richardson and Andy Sneap. The band's sound seems to push technological bounds, with tons of polish and high end on the guitars and vocals, a large scope allowed for the bass lines, and a monstrous backdrop dedicated to the drums, almost sounding like today's power metal version of Pantera (as I have noted in the past).

I think the only real problem I have with the band is the real lack of any type of connection with the writing. The group continues making concept albums revolving around their main storyline through the last five records. This one is no different and I really wish at this point the band would change and begin writing songs about emotions, current events, and general society. Nevertheless one can only cringe from this bombastic assault, ten heaping heavy metal songs laid out for all to wonder, inspect, and seemingly headbang for long hours into the night. Biggest bruiser of the set here is the slow paced "Mental Blindness", which pokes and prods along with a smooth heavy drum beat that coincides with heavy stomp grooves. Really merciful yet elegant. Beyond that are the normal Metalium mid-pacers like "Spirits" and "Straight Into Hell", each shellshocked by vocalist Henning Basse who is simply mesmerizing with his clean vocal delivery. Fast paced cuts include the stunning "Dare" and leather-whipped "Heroes Failed". The group adds in a couple of slower tunes with "Way Home" and "Follow The Sign". Also the band offers an emotional cover of Queen's "The Show Must Go On" to round out this entertaining and ballistic metal kick.



--EC 04.25.07