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By JEFF MAKI
Based in a breeding ground of metal, Gothenburg, Sweden, Engel has an all-star lineup. The band was founded in 2005 by former In Flames and Guardian guitarist Niclas Engelin and also features guitarist Marcus Sunesson (formerly of The Crown), drummer Mojjo (formerly of Lord Belial), bassist Michael Hakansson (formerly of Evergrey) and vocalist Mangan Klavborn. In Flames vocalist Anders Friden produced the album with assistance from producer Daniel Bergstrand (In Flames). With a cast like this, fans will be expecting top-notch metal, maybe even a melodic death masterpiece.
Engel's debut, Absolute Design, is above average metal at best and far removed from anything to do with death metal. This album can best be described as a molding of the harmonies and styles of the classic Swedish metal sound with modern rock and nu-metal. At first listen, bands like Friden's side project, Passenger, Static-X, Disturbed and even Linkin Park come to mind. Engel is probably closest to Static-X or Linkin Park due to the mechanized sound of the buzzsaw guitars and Klavborn's melodic vocals crossed with manic screams. The songs are well written, catchy and melodic. Songs like “Next Closed Door” and “The Hurricane Season” are on the edge of being radio material, which isn't a bad thing. It's just not what I expected given the musicians involved. For a band that was founded by a guitarist, you'd figure guitars would be the emphasis, but the music goes in a different direction. Engel is made up of excellent metal names and Absolute Design is an interesting and surprising listen. Lesson learned: You can't always judge a book by its cover. |
