DEEM INDEX is a 5-Piece Melodic Death Metal band from Arnhem, Netherlands. This is their second EP and first since ''Vain // Void'' that came out in 2014. They were formed back in 2005 and this is pretty much only their third release but sometimes quality does trump quantity nonetheless.

Even though they are from the Netherlands, they sound straight out of Gothenburg, Sweden. Gothenburg, Sweden has a very large Melodic Death Metal scene and is extremely important in the history of the genre. The sound has influenced so many bands all over the world and DEEM INDEX are definitely part of that group. It really combines the post-hardcore aggression of earlier bands with Blackened Death vocals but with some very technically proficient guitar riffs.

You can hear the old school sounds of bands like DARK TRANQUILITY and IN FLAMES right at the start of the album. You already know you are in for a treat. They employ highly melodic guitar riffs and evidently combined with harsh screaming and growling from the highly talented Ronald Stempyn. He definitely has that it factor about him and does a fine job fronting the band. You guys should really check out the live shows that they posted on their YouTube page, he literally commands the stage and the audience. The guy has boundless energy and does a great job channeling everything around him. They are really a sight to see and I quite enjoyed their live stuff.

This is the type of album (or EP) that really makes you want more. You say to yourself, dammit it's already over, I wanted so much more! Well they are that type of band and their material is catchy and highly energetic. They are truly a throwback to the Melodic Death Metal legends from the mid to late nineties and they are continuing the trend of great music. They don't want to imitate, they simply did a modern twist on the genre and it's just a great album.

I sincerely hope they gain attention outside of the Netherlands because they are that good. It's probably my favorite Melodic Death Metal album of the year bar none. They sound like a mix of early IN FLAMES and WARBRINGER. They adapt rather than innovate and maintain a high intensity throughout the EP and incorporate extreme Metal elements when they need to and it makes for an awesome release.