Raunchy - "Death Pop Romance" (Lifeforce)

This third release from Denmark's Raunchy sees the band stepping further out of genre moulds, producing an even more catchy, infectious and gripping sound.

Compared to Confusion Bay (2004), Death Pop Romance is a far more assured, consistant piece of work. All the songs come equipped with the sort of catchy choruses that make bands like Atreyu and Linkin Park such fan favourites.

The arrival of new vocalist Kasper Thomas can be seen as a true turning point in the band's sound and no doubt - given time - success. His screams are far more powerful and coherent, while his clean singing is likewise superior to many in the genre. He does come across as similar to Anders Friden (vocalist with In Flames), at times, but this is no bad thing. Also, the melodic singing is much cleaner and... well, 'angelic' is the wrong word, but you get my drift.

There are so many huge choruses on this album! The band has clearly taken note of the success of their previous two singles, "Watch Out" and "I Get What I See", from Confusion Bay, both of which were focussed around crowd-pleasing, blood-pumping choruses.

They are described as 'Futuristic Hybrid Metal' by their label. Okay, I'll accept that as a tag. They have an industrial, busy element to their sound which does make them lean towards the territory of Strapping Young Lad - this is less pronounced than on Confusion Bay, which at times sounded so dense with all the elements blending into one powerhouse wall of sound.

But, now, I think the band has far more in common with In Flames and the increasingly (excellently) commericial Soilwork. It's good to know melodies are finding more and more purchase in the metal world.

Soaring, melodic, fast, heavy, and immediate. Excellent.

www.raunchy.dk