Time Signature Moments...

Genre: gothic melodic death-thrash

Slated as a Swedish melodic death metal band, Engraved – who have actually been around for along time – demonstrate on their 2012-demo Days We Dread that their music is so much more than melodic death metal. While present as a part of Engraved's sound, melodic death metal, I would argue, is not the dominant style on the demo. With their massive experience, Engraved cleverly avoid being pigeonholed in any specific genre, as the four tracks on the demo draw on different metal genres to great effect.

The first track, 'Moments' is more of a modern thrash metal affair, featuring some quite classic thrash metal riffage combined with a melodic and catchy chorus and a melodic ballady bridge which is both epic and gothic. 'The Day We Dread' remain in gothic metal territory and features female vocals, acoustic guitars overlaid on a pumping bass and a Paradise Lost-like overarching feel. Again, the chorus is catchy and melodic. This particular track should appeal to those who like Paradise Lost, Ecnephias and Crematory. 'Harvest of the End' is an uptempo death-thrash affair with a touch of black metal, while 'The ' is a heavy and almost epic affair.

The overarching feel of the album is considerably gothic, and I suppose that the style on this albumb can be described as gothic melodic death-thrash. In any case, we are dealing with melodic and memorable metal music which is well performed and well put together. The production is crisp and professional sounding and I would not be surprised if this band got signed by a label in the very near future.

(review originally posted at seaoftranquility.org)