INSURRECTION were formed in 2010 and they are from Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. The melodic Death Metal band released so far one EP and one full-length album. Their new EP “Exiled To Earth” was mixed and mastered by Mendel Bij De Leij (CATALYSIS; GODS OF GAIA; MENDEL) at MbdL Productions. It has a length of about 18 minutes, and it was released via Dutch Thrash Metal specialists Big Bad Wolf Records.

“Exiled To Earth” starts strongly with “Hopeless World Below”, which is a mixture of fast, powerful parts and mid-tempo parts with epic melodies. The main riff is catchy and has, alongside the main melody, a few melodic Metalcore vibes. The vocals are growls and they vary between the medium to higher end of the guttural range with occasional screams. The lead guitars contribute prominently to the melodic framework, and the lead guitar solo also contributes well to the track, although it could have had more directness. “The End Of Honesty” starts fast with crushing verse parts transitioning without bridging into a mid-tempo chorus part. All in all, when I listen to “Hopeless World Below” and “The End Of Honesty”, comparisons to the likes of AT THE GATES are inevitable.  The melodies are catchy; however, the texture of “The End Of Honesty” is quite complex with many twists and turns in tempo and rhythm.

“In Terram Extorres” starts with a dark keyboard driven pre-lude introducing the main melody of the track. The track has a slow start at a measured tempo and melodies that have a slight melancholic touch. “In Terram Extorres” is an instrumental led by the lead guitars and supported by crunching basslines. There are occasionally short spoken-word parts included. The EP finishes with the fast and devastating “Crimson Skies”. It is a circle pit track with sharp riffing, a lot of double-bass drumming, and catchy melodies. It is the heaviest song, and it comes with a surprise as there is a short orchestral break included. “Crimson Skies” is the best song of the EP, and it was officially released as video and the YouTube link is provided below.

INSURRECTION deliver a decent EP. The melodic Death Metal sound on “Exiled To Earth” follows a well-tried concept and the four tracks are inspired by some of the great Swedish melodeath bands. The melodeath sound of INSURRECTION is modern with a few influences from other genres being present in the tracks. The EP is well produced. “Exiled To Earth” will be liked by many melodic Death Metal fans, although I think that “Exiled To Earth” lacks a bit the cutting edge.