Since AT THE GATES, DARK TRANQUILITY and IN FLAMES appeared to the world, Melodic Death Metal became a massive success, with bands releasing excellent albums that became classics. Today, the genre changed a bit from the initial mix of aggressive aspects of Death Metal with the melodies of traditional Heavy Metal, but stands strong as ever. And here one more excellent name for the genre: VARICES, from Sweden, here with “The Undoing”, its first full-length. In reality, the band uses a mix between 80% of Melodic Death Metal (remind a lot the early days of the genre, when releases as “Slaughter of the Soul” and “Jester’s Race” came to life) with a temper of 20% of Groove Metal, creating something that is abrasive and technical (without exaggerations), but with charming and hooking parts as well.

One will find good contrasts as well (as heard on “Thalassophobia”) and even Hard Rock touches (as on “Gehenna”), and fine hooks as well, so dive into their music, you won’t regret the experience. The production worked on a default model for Swedish Melodic Death Metal act: with an energetic impact, using defined and understandable instrumental tunes, but always in an aggressive and understandable way. For a first release, it’s really excellent, with everything on its due places, and what good artwork for the cover.

Although all the songs are really excellent, one can begin to taste their musical work by “When Gods Fall Asleep” (an intense and aggressive song with a very good technical appeal, and what intense rhythmic artillery from bass guitar and drums sometimes), “The Deluge” (that follows a classic Melodic Death Metal way, and what excellent guitar riffs and arrangements), “Thalassophobia” (here the Groove Metal side of their music becomes evident, but what great contrasts and rhythmic shifts, with vocals going from grunts and snarls to screams easily), “Gehenna” (as told above, some Hard Rock traces can be heard on its melodies, with excellent guitar riffs again), “Aftermath” (lovely melodies can be heard on this one, with bass guitar and drums working in a high level again), “Unending (Shadows’ Embrace)” (the contrasts between aggressive parts with cleaner moments boost the melancholic aspect of the song, where some clean vocals can be heard), and to “The New Order”, “Theatre of Hate” and “Behind Disguise” (the lovely melodies here create a strong set of emotions here).

VARICE really surprises fans with “The Undoing”, so let’s see how they’ll evolve. For now, applause for the quartet, because they deserve it.