Survivalism Boulevard

The Stranded

If you're a fan of DARK TRANQUILLITY's "Damage Done" album there's no doubt in my mind […]
By Luke McIntosh
October 15, 2012
The Stranded - Survivalism Boulevard album cover

If you're a fan of DARK TRANQUILLITY's "Damage Done" album there's no doubt in my mind that you'll absolutely love THE STRANDED and their music.

The first track entitled "Blood Like Gasoline" starts off with an unusual key/synth melody and then BAM! The guitars, bass and drums come in with a haunting growl from the vocalist Claudio Ravinale blaring over the top of the mix, this song was certainly a great choice to start this melodically crushing album. This album never fails as each track is unique and different but fits so well together, it's one of those rare albums that you can just listen to over and over again and not feel like you're bored.

"Survivalism Boulevard" creates a melodically haunting atmosphere with me just wanting more and more from it. The strong melodies, dominating vocals, intense guitars and pounding drums make this an album you won't soon forget. My favourite and probably heaviest track (at least in my opinion) would be track 9, entitled "National Breakdown" this somewhat reminds me of some old school SOILWORK which I just happen to admire. This song is less melodic than the others I find but this is just a nice heavy tune which I'm sure everyone will enjoy regardless of what they think of the other songs.

In conclusion I think this is a record that you'll love whether you have a thing for melodic Death Metal or not, this is surely an album I'll be listening to for a while, very keen to hear what next they have in store for all of us.

9 / 10

Almost Perfect

"Survivalism Boulevard" Track-listing:

1. Blood Like Gasoline
2. Only Death Can Save Us Now
3. Blackout Season
4. Ill Will Future
5. Sulphur Crown
6. Eclipse
7. Carnival Shroud
8. Post-Human Archetype
9. National Breakdown
10. Survivalism Boulevard 

The Stranded Lineup:

Ettore Rigotti-Guitars &Clean Vocals
Elliot Sloan- Guitars & Bass
Claudio Ravinale- Vocals
Alessio Neroargento- Keys

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