The Defaced - Anomaly

What a treat to get another album from these crazy death metal-ing Swedes - and it does not disappoint!It has been about 8 years since The Defaced released their phenomenal album Karma in Black.  I have often wondered what happed to these guys and if they would release another new record.  The band is a supergroup of sorts, being made up of several heavy hitters from the Swedish death metal scene, but the driving force of the band comes from the brains behind Darkane (Vocalist Jens Broman and Guitarist Klas Ideberg).  These guys have been busy with their day jobs, so it makes sense that it took so long to get a new release.

The Defaced is a departure from the brutal sound of Darkane, because there is more melody involved.  The songs are still brutal and heavy like the 'Kane, but just more melodic.  To say I'm geeked to hear they have a new record would be an understatement, because I am totally psyched.  The band have just released their 3rd full length CD Anomaly. Let's see if they've still got it...

Anomaly starts pummeling the senses from the lead track Remaining Eternal and doesn't let up until the last note of The Test.  This is an incredible record and a great return after such a long hiatus.  The songs on this record range from thrashy to just mid temp crushers.  There is one ballad of sorts on the CD titled Renewal Defined; it's a slow rocker that starts off somewhat slow and mellow, but then gets heavy for the chorus.  The great thing about this band is that they can slow things down while staying heavy. This song kind of reminds me of something Opeth might do.

Vocalist Jens Broman has a great clean vocal style as well.  He can bring it heavy and guttural, but then change on a dime and throw in the clean vocals like its childsplay.  I can't say enough about this record because it is such a nice blend of heavy and melody.  All the songs on the CD contain great riffs and catchy melodies.  The Defaced sound like a more tamed Soilwork.  Don't get me wrong, they bring it heavy, but there are more grooves and melodic stuff going on than with the 'Work.  All in all a great CD.  This my co-MVP CD of the month.

Bottom Line:  The best CD I have heard in some time.  Every track rocks. The best aspect of all Swedish melodic death metal wrapped up on one disk.  Great heavy tunes with great melody and monster riffs.

Standout Tracks: Can't pick one - they all rock!

- Ragman gives this one a big HORNS UP!