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The Swedish band In Grey definitely have some of the qualities that I appreciate in human beings. They have worked hard on their own for over ten yeras now. Without the support of a label they have released their music themselves and the hard work has obviously paid off. "Sulphur Tears" is the first full-length album they have produced and it is just as professional as regular cd outings with one exception - it lacks the promotion tools that a record company is in possession of. It will pass by unnoticed for most people which is a shame because these guys have learnt a thing or two since they started out back in 1992. The modern Swedish metal scene of today can trace their roots back to this time period which was extremely exciting and vivid. In Grey anno 2003 (this album is from last year) is however much more modern as they have moved into gothic and doom metal domains. Their music is emotional, passionate, melancholic, melodic and heavy all at once. It doesn't take long before you hear a lot of Katatonia vibes, especially in the song "Life Has Changed". That is Katatonia in their present form post-"Discouraged Ones". The vocalist Dennis Liljedahl (who has recently been replaced by Joakim Croneström) has a similar way of singing as Jonas Renkse but in my opinion he has a slightly less refined voice. The Katatonia links go further than just the music though as Katatonia's ex-bassist Guillaume Le Huche was also part of In Grey several years ago. Other reference points are the calmer side of Opeth and the heavier side of Norway's avantgardists Green Carnation. If you appreciate this kind of music In Grey has something to offer you. The album is very even without many highs or lows. Sometimes there is a feeling of "one-trackness", a sickness many bands suffer from, not by intention but simply because of the fact that composing memorable music is extremely difficult. There is at least one song that the spotlight should be aimed at namely the title song which has become one of my favorite songs this week. It has some devastating heavy riffs accompanied by efficient gothic tinged vocals. In Grey definitely have potential and maybe now record companies will open their eyes?
| Tracklist |
| 1. Intro |
| 2. Sulphur Tears |
| 3. Life Has Changed |
| 4. At the Edge |
| 5. As Passion Turns To Hate |
| 6. I Amaze |
| 7. Above |
| 8. Mask |
| 9. Instrumental |
| 10. A Sun That Never Sets |
: 40.40
| Buy other In Grey albums |
