OUTSHINE

Swedish band Outshine are from Gothenburg which instantly engenders melodic death metal expectations, particularly in light of the fact that this, their sophomore album, was mastered by Göran Finnberg whose previous credits include melo-death pioneers Dark Tranquillity and In Flames. However, there's more to the Gothenburg metal scene than said subgenre, right? Right, and Outshine prove as much with 'Until We Are Dead', a collection of melancholically infused rock/metal tunes with gothic underpinnings. I actually hate to use the 'gothic' word to describe music as it has become such a redundant term over the years but the Paradise Lost-esque combination of keyboards with heavy guitars is present here, although only a small part of Outshine's overall sound. The songs themselves do perhaps appear quite simplistic on a surface level. Music that is instantly accessible can often give such an impression. Catchy melodies, and infectious, up tempo rhythms colour each song, but listening a little more carefully reveals a degree of depth and layers to the tracks with a lot more going on than you first might realise. And the greatest strength of the album? Outshine have managed to create music that is beyond categorisation that will appeal to fans of many different genres. I can see Muse fans getting off on this as much as those who adore Mastodon. That's not to mention the rockier attraction of the music that reaches out to those into bands such as Mötley Crüe and The Cult. I also need to mention frontman E.J. who delivers a phenomenal vocal performance - his wide ranging voice captures and adds to the emotional twists and turns inherent in each and every song. Although this is an instantly accessible slab of rock/metal, there's also enough innovation on offer to separate these Swedes from the pack and to warrant your attention. Go check out Outshine for you might just be pleasantly surprised. Based on 'Until We Are Dead', given the right exposure, a potentially wide-ranging fanbase awaits them. Great stuff, and a fuck load on fun. The only minor criticism is E.J.'s clichéd "Come on" line near the beginning of second track 'Love for the Music'. Pure cheese. There's no need for that in this day and age. Come on!

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Sound Pollution

Album

UNTIL WE ARE DEAD

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

43:58

RELEASE DATE:

26th April 2010

TRACK LISTING

1) One for the Nerves
2) Love for the Music
3) Wisconsin H.G.
4) Ain't Life Grand
5) Fortune
6) Viva Shevegas
7) Riot
8) Until I'm Dead
9) I'm Sorry
10) Save Me

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Sweden

"Outshine have managed to create music that is beyond categorisation that will appeal to fans of many different genres. I can see Muse fans getting off on this as much as those who adore Mastodon."