I have said it before; Scandinavian bands must possess a certain gene in the DNA helix that controls music making. I mean most of the bands from these Northern Europe grounds produce very good albums that -also- most of them sound original. I think that the last decade the Scandinavian scene holds high the banners shooting many reviving injections in the sometimes fading Metal musical entity.
This time we have DEFUELD hailing from Sweden who will hit the scene hard releasing their homonymous debut album to underline my above allegations. The five piece band delivers up-tempo catchy melodies with nice guitar rhythms and a really heavy backbone. Actually, the spine of DEFUELD comprises some Black Album / METALLICA influences in the way we find them in the early PERZONAL WAR days. Of course, the Gothenburg sound is also here shining with the distinct double guitar harmonies and some IN FLAMES groovy breaks to go with. The keyboards add melody when it fits giving depth to the piano driven Wating In The Wings or the excellent and emotional ballad Blind with the very good lyrics. Christoffer Wetterstrom sings with some die hard Hetfield influences delivering with the same power the extreme and the clean vocal parts.
The keyboard intro welcomes and drives the energy fueled Spawn into the addictive guitar riff. Actually, this track pretty much describes the sonic signature of DEFUELD. The band manages to sound up-to-date and fresh while keeping a safe distant from all the 'core' happenings. The already described influences build solid foundations and let the band kick you in the nuts with songs like Endless Roll or the full of attitude Retarded. The sound production is definitely my cup of tea comprising a hearty bass guitar and hard hitting drum work that keeps the pace.
So, there you have it; another band from Sweden and other very good album. DEFUELD created an impressive debut that raises many expectations for their next discographic step. Until then, we can joy this album and the full of energy music!