(Melodic Death/Thrash) Fission (Vintersorg (Borknagar, Otyg) - Pain Parade - 2008, FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Vocalist Andreas Hedlund, also known as the infamous Mr. V or Vintersorg, is probably the busiest man I can think of in Metal music. His ever-lengthening discography always seems to impress me in some fashion, though his style is an acquired taste at times. His bands Borknagar and Vintersorg alone are regarded as some of the best art/progressive/black/folk music to ever grace metal and I personally feel that is deserved. The amount of material this guy produces is astonishing workmanship, releasing multiple records a year. He is a visionary and if he keeps creating music he will one day create a masterpiece. His talents are in multiple projects including Otyg, Vintersorg, Havayoth, Borknagar, Fission, Waterclime, Cronian, Gravisphere, and new things always seem to pop up. This sophomore release form Fission, Pain Parade, is a real winner and it’s one of the best records I have heard this year.
Fission’s concept is an abstract, prog -laced, version of melodic death metal, though Pain Parade takes things to another level compared to 2005’s Crater. Pain Parade is honestly, one of the best records I have ever heard come out of Andreas catalog. This is very accessible sound that will set nicely with fans of Opeth, In Flames, Soilwork, Enslaved, and obviously Vintersorg and Borknagar. There’s even room for the Ensiferum, Eluveitie, Pagan metal fans in this record. Astonishingly, this all comes together and delivers in spades along with an organic and honest feel. There is no doubt, however, that there are some serious progressive undertones in this music ala Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, and Andromeda.
Vocally, Vintersorg is on top of his game. A blackened rasp fills the aggressive edge of Fission reminiscent of the Gothenburg days. Clear and pretty nasty, the vocals are awesome, only to break for melodic, harmonized sections, with textured acoustics and beautifully sung melodies. Check out “Dear Frenzy!” for an amazing section towards the end.
Benny Hagglund, also of TME, is the man behind the music though, playing everything on this record from Drums, to bass, and guitar. His skills cannot be denied and the construction of these songs is phenomenal.
All the songs on Pain Parade have something to offer and this should be noticed by many as an excellent record for 2009 thus far. One thing’s for sure, Mr. V doesn’t seem to be slowing down. He’s only getting better and more inventive. Check this out!
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