DRAGO (9/10)

When you are one of the most important bands of whole a genre, every release you put out is under incredible scrutiny and pressure. Sweden's SOILWORK is responsible for some of the best material in the melodic Death Metal genre, ever. When your resume includes the legendary "The Chainheart Machine", "A Predator's Portrait" and the best melodic Death Metal album of all time "Natural Born Chaos" every release must be renowned. Compound that with the on again off again relationship with main songwriter, guitar player Peter Wichers. Yes, Peter Wichers has left SOILWORK again. This is the second time that the band has had to overcome drastic line-up changes. The first time Wichers left, SOILWORK released the ordinary "Sworn To A Great Divide". The release had its moments but sounded like a band searching for its identity. Wichers was back on board for the solid "The Panic Broadcast", and the band felt like it had gained momentum again. Can they overcome the inner turmoil this time around with Wichers leaving again?

Released through Germany's Nuclear Blast records, SOILWORK are back with the enormous "The Living Infinite", a double disk affair that features 20 songs and over 84 minutes of music. This record is an intense ride. This time around the band sounds like it is playing with a purpose. Sending a giant middle finger to the world who have questioned if they can move on without Wichers and to the people who doubt their authenticity still playing in a genre that they helped create. Once again utilizing Jens Bogren, who has made a name as one of the best producers in Metal working with the likes of OPETH, AMON AMARTH and PARADISE LOST the mix and sound of the record is outstanding.

The first disc is the stronger of the two and ranks right up there with the best material of their career. It is an incredibly diverse affair. There are songs that fit the SOILWORK blueprint to a tee like the outstanding opener "Spectrum of Eternity" where superior drummer Dirk Verbeuren just slays on the kit. His double bass drumming, blast beats and fills just light up the record. It is no wonder why Devin Townsend uses him to play on some of his most insane music, as the man is a beast. The pure catchiness of tracks "Memories Confined", "This Momentary Bliss" and "Tongue" rank up there with the best melodies of singer Bjorn Strid's career. Especially the latter, as the chorus is my favourite part of the whole double disc event.

The second disc, though not as strong as the opening platter is also filled with a ton of great material and strong moments. First single "Rise Above The Sentiment" is the perfect blend of aggressiveness and the floating choruses that Strid has been known for. The groove laden "Parasite Blues" is the bright spot of the second disc. A monster riff and memorable vocal melody book end a jaw dropping guitar solo. They also include two instrumentals on the second disc "Entering Aeons" and Loyal Shadow" and neither of them standout as they should have included more guitar leads to make them more enticing.

The band seems to shine the most when they step outside of their comfort zone. The gorgeous melodies of "The Windswept Mercy", the haunting balladry of "Antidotes in Passing" and the strummy guitar patterns of "Whispers and Lights" are all types of material that I have never heard SOILWORK attempt before. They stand out as some of the best songs of their career and it is refreshing to see a band of such stature take so many chances.

Strid is the star of the whole record. He has never sounded better and his melodies and lyrics are incredible. He is still the best in the genre at combining aggressive vocals with the most melancholy clean vocals. There have been so many imitators that have ruined what he has perfected and I am glad to see him performing so strong on this record to substantiate that his style of singing is crucial to the Metal scene.

Replacing Peter Wichers is new guitarist David Andersson. Andersson was an unknown in the scene when it was announced that he was hired as their new guitar player. His resume includes Power Metal band MEANSTREAK whom I have never heard. So, all eyes were on him and returning player Sylvain Coudret who joined the band back in 2008 and they both lived up to the expectations. The riffs, harmonies and lead work are outstanding and they do an excellent job paying homage to the past SOILWORK players but also adding new dynamics and arpeggios to the songs.

When a band releases so much material at one time there is always a chance of having too much filler. When I first listened to the "The Living Infinite" it was overwhelming. You have to spend time with this release and give it the attention it rightfully deserves. If you just listen to it one time through and in the background it is not going to have the impact that it should. This is the best SOILWORK release since "Natural Born Chaos" and ranks as one of their overall best in their storied career. This time they have proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that they can continue without Peter Wichers and have established themselves once again as the best melodic Death Metal band. No doubt, the best record I have heard so far in 2013 and an early candidate for album of the year.

ANGELA "THE HUNTER" (9/10)

Over the years, SOILWORK has proven to be a band that consistently delivers. Period. "The Living Infinite" is no exception. Since 1997, the band has been giving us brutal, melodic, intelligent Metal, and has been a continuous driving force in the Metal world. From "Steelbath Suicide" to "The Panic Broadcast", their audience has watched them grow from a band who garnered just a passing glance, to one that has helped shape the genre we love so much.

"The Living Infinite" is 2 CD's of amazingly creative Metal that hooks you from the very first track. Song after song keeps you enthralled with the music, and thoroughly enjoying the mayhem you are witness to. Bjorn's vocals are as brilliant as ever, blending screams, growls, and melodic phrases seamlessly. The guitar work is furiously solid, and truly compliments the keys. Ola's bass and Dirk's drum work provide the framework for the controlled ferocity that we have come to know, and love, from SOILWORK. If you're not in the pit during  "Realm Of The Wasted" or "Rise Above The Sentiment", there may be an issue. With you. Right now. As for a rating, I would have to say 9 out of 10. Yes, it's that fucking good. As always, stay well, and live free my friends! Cheers!