Swiss Black Metal outfit COLD CELL offer ten tracks of atmospheric, symphonic, and depressive / introspective material with their latest full length "Generation Abomination" on Gravity Entertainment.

A well put together and polished sound accompanies the band's spin on the classic Norwegian Black Metal sound highlighted by powerful vocals, impressive drumming, and a touch of melody in each track. "Sh*tfaced Existence" and "Next Stop: Disillusion Centre" are transient pieces that purposely try to take the listener on a cold and arduous journey to the nihilistic and hopeless parts of the mind that the lyrics describe and that few dare to venture to. This is pretty cool and a nice departure from the predictable and derivative satanic imagery that so many Black Metal bands foolishly try to pass off as original these days.

Despite the melodies and symphonic pieces drizzled throughout tracks like "Desert of Thoughts" and "Stereotypes of Sick Spawn", a vicious vocal assault and harsh playing save the sound from appearing weak. Despite the interesting lyrical approach reminiscent of CRAFT, the lack of diversity musically makes this album a bit redundant sonically. Where are the CELTIC FROST, HELLHAMMER, or even SAMAEL influences? Although I'm appreciative of how well COLD CELL can play the riff Euronymous invented, I've heard it before and, although it is well done, it fails to impress me in the same manner as it once did. As is the case with many third wave Black Metal bands, COLD CELL fails to offer a new take on this now dated style of music, hence their fate will most likely be of a band that is lost in the shuffle rather than one forging new ground and rejuvenating interest in Black Metal. Although this album reflects the band's talent and ability to play their instruments with precision, innovation must be utilized in order to stand out in a rather saturated crowd.