There has started to be a shift in the way melodic metal carries itself of late; a sort of Darwinian evolution of the genre that is permeating elements of groove and intensity only hinted at in the 90s and early 2000s; and The Overthrone’s latest EP release The Plague heavily details that apparent shift and I couldn’t be happier.
The Epic build-up of the intro track to Inferno is exactly what I’m talking about. Melodic, textured yet with the core of melodic metal remaining intact. Brottman’s vocals are very diverse and accomplished. Everything from low spoken growls to clean to intense screaming vocals; it definitively a highlight in this release.
Treborg’s drum choices keep the tracks on the cutting edge and will help ensure repeat listens. The precision in the guitar work on track The Plague is impressive and creates an amazing amount of urgency.
A powerful display of ability and emotion flows from the tracks and the slower track Dusk is Dawning is hard-hitting and displays The Overthrone’s diversity. Melodic metal is alive and well in its birthplace of Sweden. The Overthrone’s EP is holding the torch to what melodic metal has begun to evolve into. The groove and intense elements are a welcome emphasis in the genre, and with the piano outro to the EP nodding to the melodic death of old, one can only wait with bated breath to see what bands like this will do in coming years to progress the genre even further.
Suitable for those who didn’t mind when Cadbury changed their recipe a bit.
Release Year: 2018
Label: self-released
Category: EP
Country: Sweden
Reviewed by Liam Frost-Camilleri
