Writing a follow up to an album that held the return of a lead songwriter/guitarist, without said songwriter/guitarist because he left again, can be rather daunting. Take a minute and let that sentence sink in. Even I'm moderately confused by it but take a moment................ OK. We're on the same page.
Soilwork's primary songwriter Peter Winchers left (for the second time) during the touring cycle for the previous, and excellent, The Panic Broadcast. The band soldiered on and remained relatively quiet for awhile. Then at the beginning of last year we got wind of songwriting taking place. Now I'll be honest, no Winchers left me somewhat uncertain of Soilwork's ability to keep the music up to par with their previous output. Their other Wincher-less album Sworn To A Great Divide was OK, but lacked the hooks and strength I was used to. So, now that Peter is gone, we have a Soilwork with something to prove. And instead of one album for the naysayers, they decided to make a double album. These boys must have balls made of steel, bold move. So, let's look at what we've been given, and see if it's packing the fortitude.
Disc 1: 'Spectrum of Eternity' starts with a quick piano then an all out onslaught of blasts guitars and screams. And I cannot overstate the drums. Dick Verbeuren plays like a man with 8 arms and machine guns for feet. With a foundation like that you've got plenty of room to work with. Guitarists Sylvain Coudret and David Andersson move swift and clean around the fretboard, not letting up and moving riff after riff. Bjorn "Speed" Strid sounds in top form and one has to wonder how he sings so fast at times. Explains the name Speed.
'The Living Infinite I' shows the lighter side of the band to starts. Acoustic guitar leading into Sven Karlsson's keyboards, which he flourishes throughout. The bass of veteran Ola Fink is also felt throughout this song (and album as well). He's a solid player and songwriter. The solo on this song sweeps in ever so beautifully with a gorgeous tone, and doesn't overstay its welcome. 'Vesta' is a personal tune, one that spits it the face of the intended. An ace track. But the big winner of disc one is 'The Windswept Mercy' featuring vocals from Justin Sullivan of New Model Army. I'll say I didn't think much of his input at first. But after a few extra listens, it really sunk in, and I found the sound rather touching. And again, the solo... Soilwork's doing OK without Winchers in the guitar department, no worries there.
Disc 2 (never thought I'd be saying that): Starting with 'Entering Aeons' with some slow drum beats and dirge fill guitar, this ones a chugger. A slow build to make sure you're ready for disk 2 (still can't believe I'm saying that). Then the guitars turn to some eerie picking patterns and move into track two, 'Long Live The Misanthrope' and it lives up to its title. Lyrics of anger and control and plenty of speedy guitars and drumming to accompany. Again, I cannot overstate drummer Verbeuren. His fellow band mates are no slouches either, but this guy would be forced to test for performance enhancing drugs if the metal league did that. He is just insane.
'The Living Infinite II' starts out much like its other half and then seems to bust out into a little more groove. A very head bobbing and foot tapping song with a beautiful bridge leading into the end. Worth a few extra listens from me. 'Parasite Blues' has a desperate feeling that eventually deals like Speed is screaming at the sky and ripping his chest open to end whatever the hell is bothering him. He wants the world to hear him and what he has to say, all while using his semi-scream-sing voice. A trademark of his I've always admired. And don't forget the rest of the band. Guitar lines so smooth that turn at one point on the drop of a dime. I honestly thought my mp3 was messed up, but then they come back really quick and end on an echoey passage.
Disc 2 and entire double(!!) album closer 'Owls Predict, Oracles Stand Guard' is a simple chugging tune to start. All instruments locked in a simple beat with the vocals in line as well. As the entire album had music and vocals synced, parts of this song sound like Speed just screaming his piece over his band mates, and I mean that in a good way. It suits the music well. The lyrics "Three choices - Escape, Stand Guard or Give In" in this song seem to be a statement. The band could have easily just dropped off after past events, but they chose to stand guard. To hold onto the legacy they have made and will continue to build upon. And then the song keeps going as the volume fades out. No sudden ending. These guys aren't done, and with The Living Infinite as proof, not done by a long shot.
I'll be completely honest. I've loved Soilwork since I first heard them. Myself and a few friend bonded over our love of the Swedish Death Metal scene, and Soilwork was the favorite. So, the uncertainty of what this album was going to be was somewhat a shot at home. They were a pivotal band in the listening habits I have now. And while they may not be as heavy as some, they at least didn't take the route a few of their peers did. From Steelbath Suicide to The Living Infinite, they never hopped trends. And that shows the level of integrity Soilwork still hold. Now let's just hope the next albums not a double for those of us who still have CD players in their cars!!!
Catch Soilwork on tour in the US starting in April and continuing worldwide through the summer. The Living Infinite is available now through Nuclear Blast Records. Support the bands you love, and go buy their albums.
HAIL!!!!!
