After a lengthy absence The Haunted have returned. One of the pioneers of the melodic death genre that would become known as “The Gothenburg Sound” are back after going through a slight line up change. With former vocalist Marco Aro back fronting the band, original drummer Adrian Erlandsson back behind the kid and new lead guitarist Ola Englund now rounding out the band they have put out their latest album “Exit Wounds”
With this latest incarnation of the band they have released in my opinion their best album since 2000s “The Haunted Made Me Do It’ which to me was the album that made me sit up and really take notice of these guys. Yet everything they did since then seem to lack something, until now.
The album is hard fast and incredibly brutal in places yet it still some how never seems to lose that signature melodic quality that is so signature of the band. They also seem to be drawing very heavily on more old school thrash metal influences, even going as far to include Testament vocalist Chuck Billy lending guest vocals on the “Trend Killer” which is definitely the highlight of the album.
Other stand out tracks on the album include “Cutting Teeth”, “Eye Of The Storm”, “Temptation” and “This Is War”.
This album shows that this band has definitely got itself back to where they should be and with this current line up they are stronger then they have ever been before.
This album is refreshingly consistent. Its fast paced, unrelenting, extremely heavy and it leaves me wanting more. I recommend all thrash and death metal fans pick this up and give it a listen
“Exit Wounds” is available now.
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