From social controversies through everyday hardships till the corrosion of the upstairs decision makers, this is more or less the essence of Metal music. Maybe occult and mysticism as well, but you won't find it here. It was bound to happen for me to indulge on the tunes of the Swedish Melodic Death Metal act, EVOCATION, an additional creature of the genre's evolution. One of the early 90s relics that never got to fulfill its potential back in those days while only resurrecting at the half of last decade. Recently signed to Metal Blade Records, after being a part of another giant label, Century Media, the Swedes delivered their fifth album, "The Shadow Archetype", another piece of a darkened shape describing our slow deterioration.

"The Shadow Archetype" presents the better of the mixture of old school and modern Melodic Death Metal, running on the same course of the EVOCATION's counterparts in their own Metal scene as MORS PRINCIPIUM EST / A CANOROUS QUINTET / ABLAZE MY SORROW among the recently rejuvenated. On the other hand, this particular album, which after selected listening to the previous discography, which maybe their bleakest experience, shares significant qualities with the recent development made in the BLOODBATH supergroup, especially with the coming of Nick Holmes (PARADISE LOST) to the lineup.

In general, the band's music isn't a tough nut to crack, like a sort of a simplified form of Death Metal, as if to make it sound more user friendly, much more flowing and reaching. There is no doubt that it is heavy as it can be, with bombastic riffery crushing riffs and a blazing rhythm section, yet still very different to the the current wave of underground Swedish Death Metal that has been tracing the steps the old days. The melodies submerged within the riffery is modern oriented, quite soothing yet you won't find any British oriented twin guitar melodies or high end soloing. Nonetheless, the attributed melodies in this release created a sort of euphonic ambience that served each of the songs well. The songwriting is virtually down to the point, EVOCATION didn't leave anything to wonder about, did their part and wrapped it up against all expectations. There were moments where I wanted more, however, it did leave the urge to keep on listening.

Highlights that are a must listen are "Dark Day Sunrise", the dangerous closer of the album and greatly memorable, "Modus Operandi", a darkened form of well written Death Metal, "Survival of the Sickest", the crushing fist of straightforwardness and finally "Condemned to the Grave", a powerful opener that leaves no doubt that this ride is about to be smooth sailing.

It has been five years since the last time the band put up a full length album. I would recommend going through their entire discography, yet this new release may serve as their darkest art to date.