UNANIMATED — In the Light of Darkness (review)

UNANIMATED — In the Light of Darkness album cover Album · 2009 · Death Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"In the Light of Darkness" is the 3rd full-length studio album by Swedish death/black metal act Unanimated. The album was released through Regain Records in April 2009. Unanimated was formed in 1988 and released two studio albums before disbanding in 1996. They reunited in 2007 with almost the same lineup as the one who recorded their second full-length studio album "Ancient God of Evil" from 1995. The only lineup change is that guitarist Jonas Mellberg isn´t part of the reunited lineup. He hasn´t been replaced here and therefore "In the Light of Darkness" was recorded by the four-piece Micke Jansson (vocals), Peter Stjärnvind (drums, additional guitars), Richard Cabeza (bass), and Johan Bohlin (guitars). The album features several guest lead guitar performances.

Stylistically it´s like Unanimated were never gone. It may have been 14 years since the release of "Ancient God of Evil (1995)", but "In the Light of Darkness" sounds like the natural successor to the 1995 release, and we´re therefore still treated to melodic black/death metal. Artists like Dissection and especially Necrophobic are valid references. Unanimated were pioneers of this style, and it´s audible when listening to "In the Light of Darkness" that we´re dealing with seasoned musicians/composers.

The material on the 10 track, 45:47 minutes long album is powerful, raw, and quite often features a majestic atmosphere (the occasional Scandinavian folk tinged melancholic melodies are also a feature in the music). Melodic lead guitar themes, varied rhythms, both fast-paced tremolo picking and heavier riff types, and a raw and passionate raspy black metal type vocal delivery on top. The blasphemous/occult lyric themes perfectly compliment the rest of the music. "In the Light of Darkness" is well produced too, and upon conclusion it´s a strong comeback release by Unanimated. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.
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