Gothenburg - in Sweden - is not solely a supplier of Melodic Death Metal. No, and for those who are not familiar with this particular Metal style, it would be easier to demonstrate their work. You have to remember that the band that stands out amongst its many equal contemporaries is the one that is most consistent with their output. Perhaps that is the case with the excellent quartet MUSTASCH, which comes with yet another fine piece of music, called "Testosterone".

Well, sometimes they sound heavier than Hell, and at other times more melodic, but their Metal direction is different, because their music is catchy, filled with excellent choruses, fine guitar riffs, and excellent rhythmic kitchen (that's the way I usually call the rhythmic section, where bass and drums play an important role in a band), and very good vocals (but I could swear that Ralf, physically speaking, looks like James Hetfield). They are excellent in the way they play and know exactly what they want to do.

The producer of "Testosterone" is Richard Löfgren, and he really did some fine work on the album. It sounds heavy when the band needs it to, and tender and introspective when the songs ask for it; whilst always remaining clean. So the equilibrium they need is near perfection.

The album is composed of songs that show the band working as a unit, and this is their finest quality, even at softer moments when piano and harmonica appear on "The Rider".

The quality of the songs is truly excellent. You have the melodic and charming "Yara's Song" with its clear Pop Music influence (an excellent piece, with fine vocals and guitars); the abrasive weight presented by the bass guitar and drums on "Breaking Up with Disaster" (man do they know how to play heavy and in a catchy way, whilst maintaining tasteful melodies); the tender and introspective elements brought by "The Rider"; the abrasive and intense weight presented on "The Hunter"; the catchy and simple guitar melodies showcased on dreamers "Dreamers"; the accessible "Be Like a Man" (again with very good guitars and fine vocals, but the song gains more weight in the chorus); and the grasping aggressiveness of the melodic "Testosterone".

I have a feeling that these Swedish madmen are extremely far from being the good guys who try to fit in with the ideals of many. They are men, and have guts to make "Testosterone" one of the best albums of this year!