Arrival Of The Red Sun
Zonaria
I have always been wondering what went on in the heads of artists that wrote about the upcoming world's demise. Whether it will be come in the final days of 2012 or with the all the solar flares beliefs in 2013, mankind always seems to receive the centre of attention when it comes to who is to blame. Yes, it is us. Chaos will rule until our final demise somewhere in the near future, or not. I think that we decide our fate. I maybe prolonging the end too soon but I do believe that the signs have been there prospering like veins under our feet without us noticing. Maybe it is the time to act and save ourselves. This point of view that you have just read made my mind linger while listening to the new, and third album, of "Arrival Of The Red Sun", via Listenable Records, composed by the Swedish / American melodic Death Metal band, ZONARIA. There are several press sources that announced them as the saviours of the old melodic Swedish Death Metal. I can't say that I totally agree about that as this release can't really come up as a sole proof, maybe their earlier material but I have to admit that I haven't listened to it just yet. On the other hand, "Arrival Of The Red Sun" isn't near to the vast lands of failure either, so you can go on reading.
Though ZONARIA didn't head backwards towards the well-heeled sound profile of old school Swedish Death Metal, through "Arrival Of The Red Sun" I could sense that they were scheming to preserve what seemed to be almost lost. Probably the band's advantage right from their early days was their basis as a Power Metal band. Add the Power subgenre to Death Metal, and a wonderful integration can be achieved. Throughout their music there have been reoccurring blisters of DARK TRANQUILLITY, HYPOCRISY, early SCAR SYMMETRY, IN FLAMES but also a few Black Metal inspirations from acts such as the devilish DIMMU BORGIR. Like many other examples of modern bands that have been aiming to resurrect the lost subgenre of old school melodic Death Metal, ZONARIA mix the melodies, which on most cases never sounded the same as the exquisite moments of the past were almost gone I am afraid, with a wonderful performance skills.
In my bill, the debut massive harmonious thumps began with the sickness infested future of "Silent Holocaust", the last moments of the dying of "A Lullaby to Those Still Alive" and the never ending negativity of "Liberation Zero". However, "Desert Storms", the powerhouse pillar of the album was way beyond the others. It has everything from a strong main riffing, great lead guitar molestations and influential multi layered chorus that were further than serving as a song redeemer. Think about the wasteland after a nuclear holocaust when you listen to this one and you will get my grip. "Face My Justice" ended the overall oblivious warning with stern chords and a bombastic sensation to show the world that this means business, there is no place to fool around anymore.
ZONARIA displayed their music as a being on the constant move in order to hail everyone that what they have been playing since their name change was for the benefit of the genre. Needless to say that they aren't pioneers or leaders of the clan as the saviours, but they have something to prove. "Arrival Of The Red Sun" is somewhat complex and an enjoyable release. I wasn't that thrilled with everything that I heard while tuning to this one, but it got me thinking quite a lot about social issues and the future. While melody and skill can be quite an asset so should the lesson learned.
7 / 10
Good
"Arrival Of The Red Sun" Track-listing:
1. Arrival of the Red Sun
2. Silent Holocaust
3. Gunpoint Salvation
4. Liberation Zero
5. The Blood That Must Be Paid
6. Desert Storms
7. A Lullaby to Those Still Alive
8. Full Spectrum Dominance
9. My Vengeance Remains
10. Face My Justice
Zonaria Lineup:
Simon Berglund- Guitars / Vocals
Emil Nyström - Guitars
Emanuel Isaksson- Drums
Max Malmer- Bass
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