Sometimes, Melodic Death Metal really astonishes me with some bands: the label does not make justice for their musical work. And it's the case from Austria's THE MORPHEAN, for their new album, "Mechanical", is beyond Melodic Death Metal label.

It still have some harsh vocals, but as not as guttural as the style should be, and the melody on guitars is more evident than before, as drumming and bass playing do not fit in the genre. Hearing the album, I personally would say that it's a mix of Melodic Death Metal with Metalcore aspects and modern HC elements. But the most important matter is: their work is extremely fine to our ears and minds. The vocals are fine with their non-extreme guttural approach (and with some high pitches here and there), the guitar riffs are excellent and well worked, as bass and drums are doing a rhythmic basis consistent and very heavy (and with great technical aspects). And if I tell that some female vocals exist here on this album, you'll get mad!!!

The sound production is very clear and heavy in both ways. Clear enough to hear all musical instruments with no problem, every arrangement is listenable. Heavy as Hell to turn any doubt of their musical grasp to dust.

Ten songs of pure musical perfection are on the album, with the highlights on "Show Your Scars" (a very dynamic song, with great guitar work, especially on melodic and clean moments), the brutal and introspective "The Mass Infection", the enigmatic and thunderous "Echoes" (the bass and drums playing are excellent, with their multiple tempo changes), the great guitar wall made on "Mechanical", the beautiful work done on "Without Balance" (whereas there's a very charming female voice performance), and the adrenaline injection of "Bastard Machine" (great vocals, indeed).

Excellent album!