Movie Metal? Really?  That is how the music that CURSE OF CAIN plays is described in their EPK. To me this is just a modern take on a mix between Melodic Rock and Metalcore with Nu-Metal. This happens to be a Swedish band that has theatrics and cinematic themes very high on their agenda. In 2023 they already gave us their self-titled debut album "Curse Of Cain", which I have not heard. That does mean that "Achtung!" is my first encounter with these Metallers who are heavily disguised when being photographed or playing live. If you don't know what I mean, just look up pictures of the band on their site, and you'll understand. What I have found when I was walking my dogs whilst listening to "Achtung!" is that when I reached the end and the album started again I was actually quite pleased to be able to listen to it again. That is a very good sign, if you ask me.

Like I said, there are a lot of influences flying around on "Achtung!", but what surprises me most that even though this is different from anything you have heard before, it also is very acceptable to your ears. The CURSE OF CAIN songs are very recognisable in their own right as well, but also so different in approach that every one can stand on its own feet without fail. Having a very solid sound through a proper production is then key, as that makes your brand of music making very distinguishable for the masses. The use of different kinds of voices really enhances the feel of variety. The level of diversity is palpable. A song like "OneZero" is easy to the ears, whilst the ballad "All Your Zombies" could be construed as a White Metal song, whereas the title track "Achtung!" wouldn't be out of place on the setlist of band like RAMMSTEIN.

"Achtung!" is quite the discovery that CURSE OF CAIN is taking you on. And even though it might feel haughty to name your music genre Movie Metal, it does fit what the band is delivering. They are telling you stories that will have you fantasising how that would look like in pictures, whilst giving you good music. I am pleasantly surprised by "Achtung!" and feel that with the right support they might grow in such a way that CURSE OF CAIN could easily become one of those bands that will be headlining Metal festivals in the future.