To Die For - Cult

I've been a To Die For fan, since the late 90's, when they released their debut album, All Eternity.  I followed the band, snatching up every release, up until their 2002 release, Jaded.  After that record, for some reason, they fell off my radar.  Most likely, it was because the music scene really took off at that point, and it was hard to keep up, unless you saw an add, or read a story on Bravewords or Blabbermouth.  If you're not familiar with the band, they are a melodic/goth metal band, from Finland.  They mix melody with a dark sound, which is what drew me to them, over a decade ago.

To Die For have just released their 7th album, Cult, which is their first studio effort in 4 years.  Since I had lost track of the band, I was really curious to check this one out, since I hadn't heard any new music, from them, for quite sometime.  Cult started off a little slow for me, because it wasn't until the 2nd track Screaming Birds, that I got interested.  It is an up-tempo rocker, with a dark melodic vibe, which resonates an early In Flames sound. Unfortunately, after that, it wasn't until the 5th track, You, that I got wired back in.  It is another fast paced tune, that has big powerful chorus, that just oozes with melody and aggression.  Not a bad CD, but not their best.  Another down side is their cover of Paula Abdul's, Straight Up.  Yep, you read that right.  Not a bad cover, just a little kookie.

Vocalist Jape Peratalo, is in fine form, on this release, sounding like a more polished Jaz Coleman (Killing Joke).  The funny thing is, is that I didn't remember his voice sounding, as gruff as it does now.  Don't get me wrong, I like it, I think he sounds really good.  Cult is a nice re-introduction to the band, unfortunately, I don't think that the song writing, on this release, is as strong, as some of their past work.  There are some solid tunes on this release, but there is not the consistency, on this release, that there was in the past.  I'm thinking this is going to be one of those releases, that is going to have to grow one me.

Bottom Line:  A nice goth metal platter, that has a case of the hiccups.  To Die For returning with some solid and not solid material.  If you're a fan of the band I would recommend it, because there are some bright spots on this disk, it just a few low spots. that leaving you scratch your head.

Standout Tracks: Screaming Birds, You, Let it Bleed, End of Tears

-Ragman was hoping for more.