Amaranthe – Maximalism

[schema type=”review” name=”Amaranthe – Maximalism” description=”Label: Spinefarm Records” author=”Reija Myllynen” pubdate=”2016-10-21″ ]

Amaranthe’s latest is solid and stylish, leaving almost in awaiting for even bolder moves since they clearly got the guts. Metal is combined with pop elements so skillfully that it’s impossible not to like it. Having three vocalists packs a nice punch and the structure of the album is precise and polished. All the tracks are catchy and it’s easy to get into the ride, making it quite difficult to stay professional while you notice singing your throat hoarse along them.

The album starts with an energetic dance blast, which leaves a nice confused and a positively surprised feeling; are we listening to metal? The second one, Boomerang takes a step towards rock but still staying catchy pop-ish and cheery.

The single track is starting to be a little heavier with sounds and it utilizes known tricks from rock to create hooks. The upbeat tempo in the following songs continues as almost exhausting, but clear, creating a feeling that they know whay they’re doing.

6th track, Limitless hits the right spot when it comes to give us a breather to regain composure and regulating heartbeat. The intensity and emotion still stays strong, and I would most likely end up crying when hearing this live. Fury comes next and hits with a tempo and speed that almost blows you off of your feet.

8th track is called Faster but despite its name, it gives us a little bit lighter and softer stuff. Using familiar popo elements precisely and with skill, Break Down & Cry continues with the same formula.

Supersonic is the 10th of the album and it makes you almost jumping. The following Fireball cools down the beat a bit but makes you sing along almost without even realizing it.

The farewell song is called Endlessly and it is played so beautiful and frail, that once again I’m almost crying and I notice to my horror that I’m on the last song. The album has ended too soon, like all the great ones tend to do.

I’ll be eager to hear more, because they have the ingredients for anything and everything. The album will stay in my playlist, just for my pleasure, because you just can’t dislike it.

Pros: Catchy, lots to grip onto, well structured

Cons: Perhaps a little too unsurprising

Lineup:
Jake E – Vocals
Elize Ryd – Vocals
Henrik Englund Wilhemsson – Screams
Olof Mörck – Guitars and keys
Morten Løwe Sørensen – Drums
Johan Andreassen – Bass

Tracklist: 01 Maximize 02 Boomerang 03 That Song 04 21 05 On The Rocks 06 Limitless 07 Fury 08 Faster 09 Break Down & Cry 10 Supersonic 11 Fireball 12 Endlessly

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