Kings of a Cloned Generation

Those who hate this modern melodic death metal, or the last two At The Gates albums, shouldn’t read this review. However this band is assigned here in the Encyclopedia as death/thrash, and some would think about a band like Paganizer for example, this is that (in)famous Goethenburg music. Actually they are much harsher than any In Flames or Dark Tranquility albums (maybe not The Mind’s I), and thrashier than At The Gates. The band they are at most similar to is Callenish Circle. Just that they are even thrashier, and maybe this strong neothrash effect (Carnal Forge etc.) is what makes the only originality of the band.
The guitar work is almost always incredibly fast (not like what is usual in this genre), sometimes it decreases the catchiness of the music - although I don’t mind it. The drumming is also fast, with many doubling (this is more conventional). The whole albums is a bit calculable (however I don’t see this as a very serious sin), a typically “strong second classed” one. The first song is perfect, it’s hard and the lead melody is very catchy (interestingly, a bit rock’n’roll-tinged), it’s just as it should be. The entire album is very intensive. (By the way: I don’t review The Godly Work of Art - that’s just the same, except one slow track!)
Until now I think you know what to expect. This is a good album, perfect for those who want another melodeath band in their collection. I guess that maybe even some Goethenburg-unliker death metal fans may like it, as it’s harder than what is usual in this genre. Arise is a talented band, however I though they would improve after the first (well-done) album. They didn’t with Kings of the Cloned Generation: it’s hard, modern but conventional. I like it, some may not.