I had the pleasure to meet some of this band's members and I can tell you that these guys are 100% devoted to what they do. SYSTEM SHOCK is one of the bands that seemed interesting from the first time I listened to their work. Did the label change and the departure of some members had any impact on the band? I think I will have to find out.
The Greek/Swedish band SYSTEM SHOCK was formed in 2003 in Norrkoping, Sweden, by Lukas Bergis. Lukas was searching for some talented musicians and managed to recruit the well-known drummer George Kollias (ex-SICKENING HORROR, ex-NIGHTFALL, NILE) among others. In early 2004, the band managed to sign a contract with Karmageddon Media to release their debut album Arctic Inside later the same year. Now, after signing with Mausoleum the band releases its second album entitled Escape.
The band's new album is based on a concept, which features science fiction stuff. The whole story is about a spaceship that broke down and is doomed never to return to earth. SYSTEM SHOCK play classic Swedish melodic Death Metal that is influenced mostly by the greats of the melodic sound such as DARK TRANQUILLITY, MERCENARY and IN FLAMES, as well as some newer stuff like THE DUSKFALL. The album was recorded at the famous Tico-Tico Studios and the production was done by Lukas himself. Even though there is no great name behind the console, Lukas has managed to create a pretty solid and strong sound. SYSTEM SHOCK's music is definitely not something brand new and amazing, but I can say that they are very good in what they are doing. I have listened to the drummer's work with DOUBLE SQUAREand he is really amazing. He is very young and his talent is incredible! The guitar work is fucking heavy for one more time since Lukas really knows how to handle the six-string goddess. The singer's vocals are brutal to the bone (there are not many clean and melodic vocals in this album) and there are times he reminds of GOREFEST's De Koeijer. The keyboards are creating a really nice background, but they end up being tiring in some songs. If I try to compare Escape with their debut album, I can say that Arctic Inside was a bit better since there were riffs and choruses that would stick into your mind. I still sing Devilwish's chorus when I think of this band.
Fans of melodic Death Metal coming from the Gothenburg scene will definitely love this album. Unfortunately, the new DARK TRANQUILLITY album is going to be released and it kicks major ass so many fans will prefer to buy that one. Anyway, my opinion is that you should purchase Escape and enjoy approximately 39 minutes of good music.