FOR I AM KING I

REDFIELD

Dutch melodeath with a familiar if inflexible ring

Amsterdam-based For I Am King take inspiration primarily from the Gothenburg melodic death metal scene of the late 90s/ early 00s. Bar a beefy modern production, there isn’t much to distinguish the band’s sophomore album from their influences, but the quintet undeniably do a good job of mimicking the genre’s strongest assets. Vocalist Alma Alizadeh doesn’t change up her vocal style all that often, even when given the opportunity to (during the beginning of Misery for example) and while she has an impressive guttural roar, the lack of vocal dynamism can get wearing. Brief instrumental Invidia shows off the virtuosity of guitarists Wouter Cammelbeeck and Koen Scheepens and provides a brief breather in what is predominantly a fairly one-paced affair. But if you adore the Swedish melodic death metal sound, there’s far worse you could try than this.

FOR FANS OF: Darkest Hour, Arch Enemy, In Flames

REMFRY DEDMAN