So many bands get in a rut and recycle the same sound and songs it seems as the years go by, German Metal band CALIBAN is the exception to that trend. Sixteen years is a long time to stay fresh, hungry, and write new music with different edges to it, but these guys do it like they are a new band. To this U.S. writer they pretty much are new to me for some reason. So I dug in and looked back to get a perspective and what a history.

"Ghost Empire" by CALIBAN is the band's latest and it is the epitome of what a metal album should sound like; bold, aggressive, melodic, tempo and style changes galore, and you never stop banging your head. Shades of SEVENDUST and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE immediately stand out as the assault begins on your senses. The album takes another twist as vocalist Andy Dörner evolves into a true singer and finds his voice in song to go along with those primal screams. "Chaos" is a prime example of just how far the band can take one song and twist its face off and put it back again backwards while Andy puts his full arsenal on display in this anthem-like metal song.

The guitar work takes some wild runs and adds some intense effects such as the beginning of "nebeL" and this song really had me reminiscing about some of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's recent work. "Devil's Night" almost has a symphonic start of that makes you wonder what happened here for just a second and then the guitars and full weaponry of the musicianship punch you right in the mouth. Yet this song also has those KILLSWITCH ENGAGE elements in tempo change and that melodic-twist that allows you to take a breath of air before they rip right back into your soul.

CALIBAN has created a masterpiece with "Ghost Empire" and has garnered a new fan along the way.