Band's List Industrial Metal Engel (SWE) Absolute Design

When I received this first effort of the band Engel, my senses were immediately in alert. Reading the line-up I thought it was one of these all-star bands, which are so efficient these days. Niclas Engelin ex-guitarist of In Flames and Passenger (another project of Anders Friden), Mikael Håkansson, ex-bassist of Evergrey, Mojjo Moilanen ex-drummer of Lord Belial, another guitarist, Marcus Sunesson ex- The Crown, a guy nearly coming out of nowhere, Mangan Klavbom, and let’s go for adventure. Even with so many ex-something, one can only expect a lot before listening.


I was maybe expecting too much, that’s possible. But I must admit I’ve not been really enthusiastic. If I had to summarize it in a not-so-erroneous way, I would say that it is a bad version of Passenger which was itself a neo-version of In Flames. No doubt when wandering who composes the riffs, it is for sure this good Niclas. One recognizes here and there small passages already many times heard with that other band from Gothenburg. The sound is different so one can be caught at first, but the illusion won’t last very long.

While not proposing something really original, the band bids its success in efficiency, which is indeed truly there. Even if I’m going to prefer Passenger, it’s only because Anders Friden is their singer. Here, this good Anders is only producing the album. When one knows his producing skills, one knows a sonorous quality will be there. To resume concerning singing, it is true that Mangan Klavborn does his best but one cannot but recognizes that his clear singing is quite off-putting. As much his screaming singing is great, as much his clear singing wearies. And yeah, Engel is a neo- In Flames with refrains in clear singing. And nevertheless the magic of already-heard riffs may sometimes work. If ones is in good mood, one may even head-bang a little.


To summarize, a disc full of expectation but which will quite quickly be forgotten. One will have to wait for their next opus because with so many talents, one can easily do better by creating something more personal and above all less In Flames.



Translated by Heavyboy