Swedish melodic death metal conversation starts with In Flames and Dark Tranquillity – as well as Soilwork being a future sub-set- that took the genre to headlining heights worldwide. So when facing the prospect of hearing this following Swedish quartet Planet Rain perform in a similar style, let’s just say the approach is with a fair degree of caution- keeping an open mind is key as this second album The Fundamental Principles rolls by.
Overall Planet Rain present a thunderous, stacked guitar tone that extends the high harmony factor intensely – the early choices of riffing for “On Darkling Plains” immediately bring visions of multiple hair windmills as the variant blasting to mid-tempo slam percussion maneuvers in and out to the changing mood tides. Soilwork did come to mind a time or two, but so did the work of Hypocrisy – while the vocals from guitarist/ keyboardist Pär Sving are deep, guttural, and yet surprisingly discernible. “Fluxus” is a touch more controlled, the good cop clean vocals presenting an illuminating contrast and yet through a more 80’s alternative vibe than attempting something overtly commercial.
Occasionally the band veer into Machine Head trailing note/ melodic hook nuances, usually from a musical perspective such as the opening riff for “Kryptographik” that appears during the chorus - but the rhythm section of bassist Marcus Karlsson and Tommy Holmer certainly execute all of the aggressive stomp and adrenaline needs possible to give Planet Rain their death metal grit. Gojira is another band that comes into mind, as the four musicians become one to present at times this wall of crushing sound – building a feeling that explodes through consistent, persistent chord choices and unified performances.
What does this mean in terms of recommendation? At this point, Planet Rain are on the right track to develop their own niche. They have versatility, power, and death metal chops – and I for one am intrigued to see where future records will go as far as more experience and sonic influences shape them.
Matt Coe, HMS
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