Demonic Art [PA] (CD - 2008)

Personnel: Peter Wildoer (vocals, drums); Jens Broman (vocals); Klaus Ideberg, Christofer Malmström (guitar); Thomas Ebrelius (violin, viola); Charlotta Weber Sjoholm (cello); Brooks De Wetter-Smith (flute); Joakim Wahlstedt (French horn); Anders Jonsson (tuba); Ass Kungen (double bass); Jörgen Löfberg (bass guitar).

Sweden may well be the worldwide capital of metal, and Darkane upholds the high standards of Scandinavian thrash on their fifth album, DEMONIC ART. Like At the Gates and In Flames, Darkane mixes jugular-ripping viciousness and a melodic sophistication in a way that makes both sides of the equation even stronger. The title track unleashes wave after wave of lacerating riffage on a track of rapid-fire drumming, but, elsewhere, Darkane slows down and stretches out, such as on the epic, pummeling "Demigod." Both that song and album-closer "Wrath Connection" pile on the drama with layers of crushing sound. minimize