Sweden and melodic Death Metal go together like, well, Norway and Black Metal, so it takes something special to stand out from the rest of the crowd. And this newest album from DEALS DEATH, "Point Zero Solution", definitely has that special something.

There's a reason that this is their third album despite only being formed in 2007 - they know exactly what they're doing, they know exactly how to do it, and they're damn good at it. Everything about this release impressed me, the way they built the atmosphere up, with the subtle background effects strengthening the effect of the music. This almost feels like a production, rather than just an album - there are a lot of intricacies to the songs that aren't always apparent on your first listen through, and that's the mark of something that has had a lot of time put into it. It's the type of album that forces you to listen to it, and take notice of what it's doing. It demands your respect, and it's certainly earned mine, along with admiration. And it's all these little touches that really makes this album stand head and shoulders above much of what else is on offer at the moment.

It's not just the structure of the music that impresses though; the technical skill of these guys playing their instruments is brilliant. Their riffs will grab you by the throat and shake you around, whilst their solos will make it extremely hard to resist some headbanging. The vocals are brutal, and really pack that punch Death Metal is known for. My favourite song out of them all, although it was hard to choose, was "Facing The Echoes" which had a great melody to it. There are no epically long songs on "Zero Point Solution", but there doesn't need to be. The songs do a lot in the few minutes that they last for, further cementing the quality of this album.

If you're a melodic Death Metal fan, then you definitely need to check this out - you will not be disappointed. It was more than just an album; it was a listening experience, a showcase - and one not to be missed.