Hmmm……..why on earth have this band not been signed up before now?? They’ve been around since 1997 and released some well received demos and yet this is their first full length release for Sweden’s Last Entertainment productions. Subcyde are indeed a Swedish band who ply their trade in the region of aggressive, crunchy-riffed metal. Yes, yes, yes….I know what you are going to say. Especially if I tell you that their band members’ influences are Pantera, Sepultura, Testament and Machine Head. We’ve heard it all before right?? Well, yes and no.Yes, you’ll probably be making comparisons and either agreeing or disagreeing with the band names I mention. But when you listen to the album, you’ll realise that Subcyde have recorded a slab of music that is easily on a par with many established acts out there.
The production on the album is tip top with a deep and dirty sound mix that enables the band to exhibit their mid-paced skull-crushing hooks to the full. The vocals are also brutal and a joy to hear. In this style of music, the only real issue I have ever had is with the vocals. Sometimes too shouty, too clean, or just inappropriate for the type of music being played. They have always been a concern for me. However, the vocals here suit the music to perfection and lie somewhere between Anselmo, Chuck Billy of “Low” era and Randy Blythe of Lamb of God. Brutal, aggressive, and the sound that comes from the mouth of a bloke you want with you in an altercation!
“Knives in the Dark” gets things started nicely, with a good mid-paced thrasher with a nice solo and breakdown to boot. This leads us on to “War Infected” which is totally unrelenting. The guitars and drums tear into you like circular saw through the scrotum albeit without the mess and high pitched squeals; pounding, fierce and unrelenting. But it’s when Subcyde slow it down to the mid paced material they destroy and come into their own. Believe me. When listening to this album, the metal snarl (come on folks….you know what I mean!) and appreciative nod will occur several times! The mid-section of the album is of the same fare with some variation but generally sticking to the same structure as earlier songs on the album. This could have become a bit tedious, but Subcyde have recorded songs that have enough to keep you interested while not outstaying their welcome.
“Sacred Scars” for me is the standout track on the album. A melodic guitar intro to be replaced by a riff that had me heading for the nearest human being to tear them a new one. A clenched fist riff if there ever was one, interwoven with some of the more melodic music on the cd and a great and very confidently handled solo. Perfect!
I say it again. How this band has not been picked up on before is beyond me. The great thing about this release is that Subcyde have used their influences and talent to produce an honest, crushing, balls to the wall metal album without pretence, and one that is there to enjoy. There are far too many bands at the moment releasing music of a similar nature who are making their trade through treading water and it is refreshing to hear an album that doesn’t smack of commerciality.
To sum it up, this is an excellent release and if you are a fan of aforementioned bands as well as bands other Swedish bands like Face Down and early to mid Soilwork then you need to check these guys out. If there is any justice in the world then this band will make it.