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Susperia > Vindication > Reviews
Susperia - Vindication

Yuk! - 24%

shantanupatni1991, February 14th, 2009

Susperia was formed by drummer “Tjodalv” and guitarist “Cyrus” in ’98 by the name of “Seven Sins”. Tjdalv was also one of the founding members of Dimmu Borgir and Old Man’s Child. So you can imagine what this band might sound like. From Old Man’s child frame again, we have bassist “Memnock” while the rest of the band is comprised of “Elvorn” & “Athera” who worked together in bands like “Vanaheim” and “Ringnevond”

Basically the music here varies between either Children of Bodom-ish melodies or really bland & basic power chord rhythm. The only impressive part of it is that all of the effects were brought about by the guitar and no synthesizers were used during the recording. Yes, now that’s unbelievably impressive no doubt, but what’s the point when you just don’t like the overall music. Also, being a melodic extreme metal band I believe using those irritating pinch harmonics was a must.

Another flaw with the album is the production. It was produced by Peter Tägtgren of Hypocricy for free because apparently the band impressed the shit of him and thus he believed that they would be extremely successful. Yea right, considering the direction in which Hypocrycy went into after their third album I can guess why he thought so. Anyway, the vocals are very low in the mix and the sound is quite modern and over-polished, depriving it of rawness and aggression most of us prefer.

Owning the Face of Black Thrash - 96%

Kutulu, September 7th, 2005

Susperia truly are one of a kind, while they are pretty popular and well known in Metal Circles, they don't seem to get the true attention they deserve, and this album proves that point. Too many bands who walk the fine line between Black and Thrash usually end up with something bland or falling on one side too much. This is a band that walks this line perfectly.

But enough with the internet cock-sucking, onto the album.

The album starts off with Cage of Remembrance, a pretty good song, with good riffage and solid drumming, the drumming actually being the highlight of the song. The vocals really don't inspire much until about a third of the way through, the riff changes and you get a feel of how pissed off the lyrics and the lyricist should be. Nice overall effect.

The Bitter Man is a highlight of the album, starts out very melodic and then kicks in shortly with a good beat and then right when you are getting comfortable again it picks up the pace. The song, while slow for the most part, will definately have your head banging. The rolling drum beat is very good and the guitarwork, while far from intricate, draws you in.

Next we have the best song on the album, Anguished Scream (For Vengeance). Begins with a great little touch, the vocalist saying 'Bitch' calmly. Right after we kick into some badass riffing on the guitar and it is very melodic and catchy. The drumming is your standard Susperia but works perfectly with the guitars and vocals taking the lead. The lyrics are awesome, and it pisses me off just listening to how obviously angry the song is supposed to be. The breakdown followed by the solo is an asskickin' ending, with a nice use of a little Clean vocal verse. This song alone makes the album worthwhile.

Following up Anguished Scream, we have another hard hitter, these guys know how to make music to bang your head to. Another great use of Clean vocals and while the chorus is nothing outstanding and it is repeatative, it still kicks ass.

After this we hit the weak point in the album, The Bounty Hunter, which really isn't that weak. The song starts out with a intro filled with distortion and then kicks in with the drums and the minimalistic guitar riff. The song is slower then the others, and seems to drag at points, but a good effort none the less.

Through the first half, now on to the weaker second half, but it does build up.

Completion is up next, another song that will infuriate you. Very few bands actually make me have an emotional change when listening to it, especially bands in the Black Thrash genre. The speed of thrash is very apparent in this song but is quick to slow down and pick right back up again. A rollercoaster ride of a song.

Another classic, Warmaster, while droning at times is an awesome song, and a great song to mosh to. The main riff is great, and definately is the driving force behind the song, where as most of the music is drumming driven(figures with the drummer being the lead member).

Dead Man's World, a awesome tune with fierce drums and a song structure that reminds me of Industrial, as it is very repeatative, but you will hardly notice. The vocals lack a little, but it is the last thing on your mind when listening to the song. The guitars do nothing but add minor effect to the purge of drums.

One more weak point before we hit a highlight, Cast Life into Fire, but again, still good for a listen and to drive to. This song just seems to drift away from Susperia's style at the beginning, more into BM territory, but quickly comes back with the vocals and then drifts back into BM again. I am a big BM fan, but it seems bland with a prominant mix in their style.

A song that comes in second only to the shear ass kickery that is displayed on Anguished Scream. Bleed Yourself is a perfect way to end the album and while slower then most of the album, the guitar riffs alone will keep you inspired. The vocals are pissed, the bass(one of the few songs where it is distinguishable) line is solid, and the drumming gets your head bangin'. The guitar riff is almost Power Metal-esque. A great closer to a great album.

This is Susperia's Essential album, and the second, third, and last track make the album a worthy buy on their own. If you own one Susperia album, make sure it is this, their sound and style is perfected and you won't have to deal with as many show stoppers as in Unlimited and Vindication.