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"(N)Utopia" is the fifth full-length album from this Italian / Austrian band and not a lot of things have happened musically since they released its predecessor "Engraved In Black" in 2003. They are a reliable band as they always deliver melodic black metal of a relatively high standard but perhaps some kind of development would have been in place at this point. Unsurprisingly they still ride on the success of bands like Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir but their music has a more direct approach which makes them sound more aggressive than Cradle Of Filth in particular. Too often Graveworm find themselves taking one step forward and one back, finding themselves stuck in one place and you pray for something to happen, if only an unexpected scream. Sometimes everything falls into place and I can't help but love the poppy, catchy melody of "Outside Down" and Stefan Fiori's vocals are stronger than most front men in the genre has to offer. He has a very wide range and shows it too.
"(N)Utopia" has everything that a Graveworm album should have and fans of the band will not be disappointed this time either. The production is clear and powerful thanks to the careful watch of Andy Classen. The song writing is creative and even though I personally find it a little bit shattered it will certainly appeal to many fans of the gothic side of black metal. Atmospheric, melodic, dark but unfortunately also chaotic at times. Dress up in your black evening gown and let the castle walls shake to the tunes of Graveworm. A good album but nothing new.
| Tracklist |
| 1. I - The Machine |
| 2. (N)Utopia |
| 3. Hateful Design |
| 4. Never Enough |
| 5. Timeless |
| 6. Which Way |
| 7. Deep Inside |
| 8. Outside Down |
| 9. MCMXCII |
: 38.54
| Buy other Graveworm albums |
