A Swarm of the Sun
Zenith
Version Studio
This full-length from the Swedish duo of Jakob Berglund and Erik Nilsson is one that should appeal to fans of the post-rock/metal style employed by the likes of Isis, Red Sparowes and fellow countrymen Cult of Luna. However, they're slightly more subdued than the aforementioned artists for the most part and, one could say, altogether more darkly ethereal in outlook. Tracks such as "The stand" and "Repeater" display their penchant for slow, trawling, disturbing passages, while "The worms are out" reveals the band's more caustic side -- a side that should really have been explored to greater depths in this album. The problem is that they've gone for the lethargic, almost depressive approach throughout "Zenith" and have left very little room for the abrasive elements in their sound. And, while they do depressive to perfection, they really do shine brighter when they come out with guitars and vocals blazing. It's not to say that the entire album should be full-on metal mayhem; rather a few more parts here and there to stave off the inevitable boredom that comes with sitting through so much inertia. So much potential, yet sadly wasted.
- John Norby
