In the end of the first half of the 90s, Death Metal became fragmented. This fragmentation means that new styles of Death Metal were coming to the light, gaining defined features as the bands evolved more and more. AT THE GATES, EDGE OF SANITY, DARK TRANQUILLITY and IN FLAMES helped do define the frontiers of the style, and CHILDREN OF BODOM came and gave a touch of technique and the use of very good keyboards. And these veterans paved the way for many bands, as the Japanese trio ARES, that after 7 years of the release of their first album, "The Advent", now arrives with "Divine Creation", their second attack.

They follow a similar style to older CHILDREN OF BODOM on "Something Wild" and "Hatebreeder", but a bit more melodic and not as technical as the Finnish band. But hold your horses, dear nephews and nieces of mine, because these guys have a strong musical personality, as their songs flow into our ears in a very easy and hooking way. And, as I said above, being not so technical, but a bit more melodic, their musical arrangements can easily be understood, and you'll be caught by these guys.

We can hear an abrasive, thunderous and heavy sound coming from the speakers, but with a good touch of clearness. This means that the sound production done is very, very good, with the idea of keeping all musical aspects of their work listenable, easy to understand and to be absorbed.

Musically, they keep an outstanding homogeneity, with all the songs being very, very good.

I dare to name "Chaotic Wind Blows" (a violent and fast song, with very good melodies created by the guitar riffs. And it is rich in some variations on the rhythm, even going to more aggressive tunes on vocals), the excellent "Slaves of Destiny" with their catching keyboards inserts and abrasive tempos; the perfect equilibrium between tempo changes, melodic guitars and ferocious vocals on "New Created Sky"; "After the Agony" and its more melodic insight (even with such aggressive riffs) and very good use of some not so fast riffs (and excellent solos), and enchanting hymn called "Despairing Cry" (nice bass and drums work, as well as some very good keyboards are presented, creating a melodic and dynamic atmosphere).

Very good band, and I really recommend their work to those who miss the time when Melodic Death Metal bands were more balanced between melodies and brutality.