First time I came across IN ARKADIA's music was in 2008, when I happened to come across their previous, sophomore full-length effort, entitled "Blind Oppression". I wasn't amazed by their music, despite their skillful playing. Their brand new album "Wasteland Chronicles" is probably the best way to see how this band has evolved and if they can change my opinion about their music.

The band was born in 2005, in Lyon, France, and since then has released three full-length albums with "Release The Shadow" (2006) being their debut and this one being their newborn baby. IN ARKADIA's music is a mixture between Thrash and melodic Death Metal with harsh vocals, shredding guitars and melodic leads. The French metallers definitely have a fresh approach in their songwriting since the catchy choruses and the strong melodies are definitely something that fans of this genre will like, but the fact is that there are already many bands playing this kind of music and I am sure you can find many that do it better than IN ARKADIA. The quintet has put a lot of effort into this album and this is something you can hear in the tracks contained in here, but it lacks this "something" that will make it differ. Don't get deceived by the guest appearances of GAMMA RAY and BENIGHTED members. A "commercial" name and some pig squeals that don't actually fit the music don't add up to the result.

"Wasteland Chronicles" is for fans of bands like ARCH ENEMY, CHILDREN OF BODOM etc. I don't if the rest of you, the more demanding metalheads will find anything special in here, but that's why Myspace profiles are for. Check them out and judge for yourselves.