I know that there have been a lot of badmouthing regarding the Swedish TIAMAT's latest releases, but after experiencing their newfound image, which is that knew if thinking about it, I see no reason for the spitefulness. Despite the fact that after being one of the most inspiring features in old Swedish Death / Doom / Gothic Metal almost throughout the entire 90s decade with extraordinary albums as "Wildhoney", "Sumerian Cry" and "The Astral Sleep", The band, lead by the constant cold manner of its vocalist Johan Edlund, decided to elevate themselves into a somewhat different musical zone. While still keeping it darkened and misty, TIAMAT seemed to let go of the extremity while stepping into a sort of catchiness engulfing modernized Hard Rock with Gothic Metal. In a fraction, or maybe not, their current material sounds so similar to late 90s PARADISE LOST, late 80s experimentations of SISTERS OF MERCY, TYPE O NEGATIVE, and the latest material of the late David Gold's WOODS OF YPRES. "The Scarred People", via Napalm Records, comes as the follower of the band's 2008's "Amanethes", released via Nuclear Blast Records. TIAMAT continues its musical elevation into miscellaneous lands where dark atmosphere meets a creative pattern of Rock and Metal music. An interesting turn up some might ask? Or this is a ghastly outcome maybe? I think the former is more suitable as an answer.

One of the album's greatest elements, and one of the predominant ones that has been an integral factor of TIAMAT's music since day one, is its frigidness. The sheer feeling of chill, as if taking hold of the riffing, rhythms, and the frosty, even emotionless, vocals of Edlund, is truly inspiring. Though without the agonizing growls of the past, the mellow pattern of the music sounds so darkly rich as it spread its remarkable sophistication all around without sending the listener into bitter challenges. I found the material rather flowing. At first it was rather annoying to listen to the same numb vocal pattern, but I came to live with it as the gloomy singing rhythms, as if like a velvet glove, conveyed the riffing, rhythm section and extra effects and keyboard additions, so naturally. It seemed that TIAMAT tried to touch every type of soul out there. Not that they went towards a massive brutal end but their amalgamated mixture of contemporary Hard Rock and Gothic Metal would surly affect both Rock, even Alternative, and Metal fans. I mostly liked their Hard Rock spikes rather that the Gothic ventures, especially with Roger Öjerssonamazing, crispy lead guitar work that like arrows through one's heart won me over. In contrast to Edlund's impassive vocal routine, Öjersson's highly capable performance is quite impressive filler, and I am not mentioning it as a negative comment. The handling of the keyboards provided a moving atmosphere, almost like entering a dream state, especially in the tender tracks. Some of the great examples of the both the guitarist and the darkened combo presented by the band are in the likes of "Radiant Star", "Winter Dawn" and "Love Terrorists". There were also some bizarre offering like "384EKteis" and "Tinzit", although the latter seemed like a fine instrumental.

In general, "The Scarred People" displays an old extreme Metal band that has been shaping up a new face. Even though some folks might disagree that this plastic musical surgery gone badly for the Swedes, I disagree. Yes TIAMAT are less heavy, bestial and utterly gloomy, but it's not that they left their older selves behind leaving it to sleep with the fishes. Partial of the showcased emotions have older roots and doesn't end there. Furthermore, I think that the album was produced well asserting the band's new image as something to look up for. Great guitar sounds, not so appealing drums, and well cleared vocals. I think that this album is a fine prospect, an evolved band showing that it is worthy now as it was back twenty years ago.