From the outset, the aim here seems to be to create the thrashiest and heaviest sound imaginable. The result is a mix of Soilwork, Mnemic and Hatesphere. The Scandinavian multi-layered complete sound is not surprising, as Submission are Danish and the producer is Jacob Hansen.
So off we go with “111008666700”, an instrumental opener which makes its rhythmic metal statement with a good dose of drama. “Rebel of Society” follows. The drumming is punitive, the Mnemic / Hatesphere wall of sound is solid, there’s melody and the guitar solos are sublime. Earplugs are necessary. The vocalist is doing his best to match the level of intensity. It’s a bit hard when there’s all this melodic turbulence and controlled chaos going on, but he’s doing fine. It’s not subtle but it’s utterly metal. “Imaginary Freedom” takes us off on another melodic thrashfest. But this one takes a different turn. Midway through there’s a clean harmony straight out of a Soilwork track. It’s totally aggressive and utterly catchy. The relentless brutality continues on “A Term Within”, which has the tones of early Soilwork this time. I’m getting hooked by this album. The beat’s fast and with all this sharp movement I’m also getting a stiff neck. The assault just goes on with “In the Eyes of Tyranny”. It’s more raging thrash with melody. Aggression, aggression, aggression. It’s great listening. Then it breaks into another harmonic chorus. Five minutes into the track it slows down … for two seconds … then it’s back to a rousing chorus. A delicate acoustic interlude follows in the form of “An Illusion of the Perfect Forever” – where did that come from? – then the punishment continues with “Determent Infiltration”. The riff had me thinking which Soilwork track it reminded me of, but it’s not some pale imitation. My head’s reacting as if I’m in control of a hammer drill. The guitar’s coming from everywhere, the passages are enormous, the solos are magnificent but integrate into the grand scheme of melodic noise, then there’s a grandiose spoken section. After two more breakneck tracks, we’re into the great groove and amazing hooks of the title track “Code of Conspiracy”. The guitars swirl and generate a majestic riff. Considering it’s operating at various levels, it’s incredibly fluid. But then this is Scandinavian Metal. The last track “The End of Eternity” lives up to its name with its big sound. It’s steadier and starts to slow down more than most but rises to a turbulent, thrashing harmonic chorus to finish off.
Undoubtedly “Code of Conspiracy” is for lovers of Soilwork and Scandinavian Melodic Thrash metal in general with its unadulterated aggression and the interwoven melodic style. It certainly had me hooked. The sleeve notes are covered with hate-filled phrases. The most appropriate one they could have used and didn’t, was “battered into Submission”. Judging by this album, it’s a most enjoyable experience.
http://www.myspace.com/submissionragecage
http://www.blisteringrecords.se
