Record Label: Century Media
Genre: Thrash
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com link

I’m no thrash metal buff, but this is a pretty odd release by The Haunted. Aren’t these guys like, really scary, aggressive thrash? The new album is pretty… well… pussified.

In some ways, that’s good. I have no patience for straight-up, scream-your-head-off thrash, and find most of it mistakens speed for talent. This album actually has a ton of melody, groove, and varied structure – all a positive.

But they sometimes go too far the other way. I can dig the vocalist’s melodic approach, but when he actually croons, it’s nowhere near heavy. For instance, on The Flood, there are places where he’s going for a cringe-worthy James Hetfield impression (ugh), and on The Drowning, he’s downright grunge/nu-metal.

I’m sure it’s not easy to incorporate melody and structure to thrash, and The Haunted do a commendable job. But fans may be disappointed by this lighter direction.

Bottom Line: A kinder, gentler Haunted.
Notable Tracks:
Overall Rating: