The most dramatic improvement is in Oskar Frantzén's vocals, which have undergone a staggering degree of development in less than a year. On Align in Silence the quality of his singing ranged from decent to solid, but on Traces, he's thrilling. The power, emotional intensity, and assertiveness he has now were barely even hinted at on the first demo. Wisely focussing on the mid to lower end of his range, where he is strongest, and significantly enhancing his technique, Frantzén has become, all by himself, a compelling reason to listen to this band.

The improvements in vocals are due not just to Oskar's growth as a singer but to the way they are treated on Traces. Harmonizing and double-tracking, which dominated the first demo and made the overall sound lighter in tone, are used more sparingly here, with greater skill and in a way that suits the music better, while other, more creative effects have been introduced. Among the highlights of "Fragments of a Broken Dream" is a "monster voice" (Oskar's, I believe, but possibly back-up vocalist/bassist Kenny Boufadene) distorted in such a way that it is rendered ragged and scratchy but crystal clear, not fuzzy or blurry. All three songs on Traces are very strong, but each has some unique, exquisite feature that imprints itself in your mind--which makes choosing a favorite rather difficult. In "Fragments of a Broken Dream" that special factor is this monster voice and the inventive way it is combined with Oskar's "normal" voice in a cool rhythm of call-and-response and multi-track harmonizing, further enhanced by an excellent use of echoing and fade-outs. It's all beautifully done.

In the case of the title track, that distinctive, unforgettable quality is its blend of haunting and heavy. Set up by the classy piano closing of "Fragments of a Broken Dream," "Traces" begins with beautifully melancholic, almost Katatonia-like guitarwork, quickly plunging into extremely heavy riffage. The verses combine the feel of both parts of the opening, haunting guitars floating over a big, smoldering bass, and in between the verses we get more of that massive guitar attack. Also intrinsic to the song's combination of haunting and heavy is the incredible vocal, loaded with power but also very melancholic. This track's great dynamic breaks down, however, in a somewhat plodding middle part, where the music goes from slow to faster/heavier and back again. The slower sections are a little too sedate, not because of pace but due to a lack of sizzle, as though something is missing, and the segues into and out of the heavier areas, while smooth, don't do anything to offset the problem. This loss of momentum stands out partly because the rest of this song and the demo as a whole are so energized, whatever the tempo. Fortunately, after this minute and a half of sluggishness, things really pick up, as the song charges to its conclusion with great force and an excellent guitar solo.

Transitions between sections of songs are one of the only areas in which I feel The Deliverance have some work to do to bring their music to even greater heights. In "Fragments of a Broken Dream," for example, a great instrumental interlude is marred only by the break between its two stylistically contrasting sections, a sudden silence that, in this musical context, feels awkwardly abrupt rather than pleasantly jolting. I love the fact that these guys are going for more complex structures, and varying tempo, style, and mood now; it's one of the major ways in which they've increased the sophistication of their music. But the switches from one to another could be more consistently dynamic and adventurous.

"Fallen Angel" is the one song in which I'm not conscious of any insufficiencies in segues--or, indeed, flaws of any kind. It's absolutely perfect. And what is its extra-special quality, which, as I stated earlier, each track on this demo has? I could say "everything," because each element of this track contributes to the enduring mark it leaves on the listener: a soul-searing emotional impact. The entire demo is quite affecting, often in intangible ways, but "Fallen Angel" wrecks you with its emotive power. Restless discontent and searching, a recurring theme in the music of The Deliverance, is effectively conveyed through this song's great lyrics, passionate (but never over-the-top) vocal, irresistible melodies (simultaneously suggesting suffering and exuberance), and relentless pace and rhythms.

Artistically, everything has come together for this band. Talent and inspired choices have brought their music to a level of development that would have taken many other bands much longer to achieve. After hearing The Deliverance's first demo I was eager for their next. But after listening to Traces, I'm now ravenous for an entire album. If there are any record companies even half as smart as The Deliverance are themselves, they will be signed in the very near future. And if you appreciate sophisticated heavy melodic metal with passion, intelligence, and creativity, do yourself a huge favor and get this treasure.

written by Maud

Playing time: 16.45