WITHERING SURFACE

Meet Your Maker MIGHTY

Resurrected melodeath veterans still stirring back to life

If there’s one thing Scandic melodeath is great at, it’s pure excitement. Dark Tranquillity, Amon Amarth, Soilwork − as different as they are, these Swedes are all bands that excel at getting your blood pumping and adrenaline rushing. This is clearly what Denmark’s Withering Surface are aiming for on their first album for 16 years. The genre-allegiant Danes draw from the more aggressive end of the melodeath spectrum. However, uneven songwriting and a dry production haven’t helped their cause. The opening title track wants to emulate At The Gates’ fiery anthems but, at twice the length and never quite as fast, is just a tired rehash. Admittedly, single Alone is succinct enough to warrant a standalone listen, but everything else wades through the shadows of the greats. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: At The Gates, Omnium Gatherum,

Mors Principium Est

MATT MILLS