The 90's brought a lot of changes in the Metal universe, and caused disagreements between the fans: some hated the new tendencies and wanted to be chained to the past; others saw no problem to deal with what was being done of new on those days. But one genre really caused passionate debates: Melodic Death Metal. AT THE GATES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, IN FLAMES and SOILWORK had problems, but as they resisted, things improved. Today, Melodic Death Metal is a popular Metal genre, and can give birth to some wonderful works, as "Abyss Rising", the latest album from the Greek quintet NIGHTRAGE.

As everyone that knows the genre already knows, on the beginning, the quintet had as vocalist Tomas Lindberg (yes, the same one of AT THE GATES, LOCK UP, THE CROWN, and others). No, their work isn't based on his name, because the classic Melodic Death Metal that is done by the quintet is personal, full of energy and with a brutal crush in many moments. Yes, the band is (as always) delivering a very good work that is catchy due the excellent melodies, but with that caustic and rough approach that is usual to them. So be prepared. Once more, the band worked with the studio master Fredrik Nordström on the mixing and mastering (who worked with the quintet from their first album until 2011's "Insidious"). The balance between the clear sonority that allows the quintet to express its ideas with the rough touch that brings them aggressiveness and weight is perfect, along with fine tunes for the musical instruments.

On 13 songs, the quintet shows a musical work that is a strong remembrance of the days of 2003's "Sweet Vengeance", but with an actual energy and grasp. And for a good experience on what the band is about, take a bit on "Abyss Rising" (a massive blow of energy with a melodic embodiment based on excellent guitar riffs and solos), "Swallow Me" (the melodic entanglement imposed by the band is amazing, with contrasts between melodic catchy parts with massive aggressiveness, and what great vocals focused on screamed tunes), "Dance of Cerberus" (this one shows a massive and melodic grasp, with some modern touches in some moments), "Falsifying Life" (what lovely contrasts, because the melodic side is evident and with deeper parts, with excellent guitars once more), "9th Circle of Hell" (a solid set of rhythms are created and conducted by bass guitar and drums, allowing the band a massive expression on the melodies), "Cursed by the Gift of Sight" (a bitter and brutal song with a massive and aggressive energetic blow) and "False Gods". This set is just for a first hearing, because this album is an addiction.

The years passed, but NIGHTRAGE keeps being a great name, and of course "Abyss Rising" is a great release.