Squealer

The Circle Shuts

Written by: PP on 29/10/2008 01:27:29

Last time we heard something about Squealer was back in 2006 when they released "Confrontation Street". Back then the band had an extra A.D. added behind their name, and as to why that extension is now missing I have no clue, since I don't really read German, the language used on the promotional sheet, and I'm too lazy to google an explanation. Nonetheless, last time around Squealer (damn that's annoying to spell, try it) and their brand of 'violence metal' (whatever that means) didn't impress me much, even if two years later I can still remember the powerful "Infanticide" song from that record.

Ironically, on "The Circle Shuts", the band has improved on pretty much all areas from their debut, without really leaving me off with a better impression of the band. The stupid nu-metal influence has been thankfully dropped entirely, which automatically makes their songs more interesting, but at the same time, the thrashy riffs that were the (questionable) highlight of the last record have largely been exchanged in favour of tired, cliché power metallish 'epic' guitar soundscapes.

When the band keeps it simple at striking thrash-influenced riffs, such as on "The Sources Of Ignition" or "Mask Of The Betrayer", their music works well and even has me nodding my head approvingly. Even amidst the boring power metal references a gem is to be found in the form of "Godlike", in which vocalist Vornam assumes a superior, condescending position to the listener, as if he was preaching or lecturing one about life's lessons.

But for the most part, "The Circle Shuts" doesn't offer a big improvement from the lackluster vibe of their previous album - their stuff is just different and only slightly more bearable these days. Instrumentally and structurally the band have leaped forward quite a bit, but I just wish they would've stayed away from the boring power metal references and stuck to the aggressive thrashy riffs that were the backbone of their previous album. Combine those with the structure and songwriting of this album and then we're talking.

5

Download: Godlike, The Sources Of Ignition
For the fans of: Primal Fear, Godsmack, Meliah Rage
Listen: Myspace

Release date 12.09.2008
AFM Records

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