THE HAUNTED

Versus

Century Media/ CD

Without any doubts, thos guys know what it's all about. 12 years after they kicked out the rusty door to metal top class, Bjorler Brothers and their camrades didn't not lose their primal power. The force which gave them the respect of metal maniacs from almost every country and critics' applause. Dangerously explosive mix of death and thrash metal with hard core rhythmics seasoned with Dolving's psychotic shouting has become the trade Mark od one of the best export goods labeled Made In Sweden.

First of all I must admit that "Versus" doesn't add anything new to the well known picture. The same – exculusively inspired by SLAYER - riffs, the same motoric drumming based on the melodic groundwork. However I must say that the new stuff is slightly more aggressive and dynamic than "The Dead Eye". And it is definitely a big advantage of sixth full-length studio album from Gothenburg aces.
The opening track "Moronic Colossus" welcomes us with a riff, which you've already heard a dozen times on the previous albums. The energy that comes out from the speakers is almost tangible. Perhaps we owe it to the production process. The band staked everything on natural and spontaneous attitude. According to the promo sheet all the songs were recorded almost 100 % live Band stands before us armed with guitars, bass and percussion. And that's enough to sweep the opponents off the way. Tue Madsen once again proved his abilities. The sound is modern, but not over-produced.
Following tracks: "Pieces", "Little Cage," "Trenches" and straight out attacker "Ceremony" smoothly the ear and give a lot of listening pleasure. The songs are catchy but at the same time energetic enough to wake up dead. Simplicity and good ear to riffs are those guys' most dangerous weapon.
"Skuld" is a moment of breath here. That short song remind a little bit of the previous album's atmosphere. It's dark and thick. With Dolving showing his mild, more emotional face. "Crusher" opens with thrashin' guitar work and then goes really wild with tumbling riffs and solo reminding of "Seasons In The Abyss' creators' legacy. "Rivers Run" varies between anger and sadness. It's definitely more complex song. But of course without losing the catchiness. "Iron Mask" is another display of band's creativity. Dolving's bellow expression dominates that track. However we have quite interesting a little southern style guitar tricks here. "Faultline" explodes right in your faces. It has classic riffs, played straight in your face, balanced by melodies. Perfect work. Unfortunately the last track "Imperial Death March" isn'ta cover of Star Wars theme. But it's dark manifesto of doom. An interesting, epic ending of the album that as a whole work could be described as the soundtrack to social, political and financial collapse.

THE HAUNTED once again took us on a trip through reality's demise. And it's simply no fake. There's no pretending. No preaching. No wheedling. Only pure dedication and thrash’n’roll madness. Great stuff.

9/12