Holy shit! Melodic metal without double bass masturbation and I’ve-got-no-balls-vocals, is that possible? The four guys of LAST TRIBE are living proof that the answer to that question is a big f**king yes! I am surprised. I am very happy. I am impressed. Before The Uncrowned the guys have released two albums, and you know how it is with the third album… “make or break” and all. Well, if they don’t manage to hit it big with The Uncrowned I’m going to eat my hat. And it is very warm and comfortable indeed.

Well then. Fact number one: singer Rickard Bengtsson’s voice is not of this world, and even though he doesn’t resort to Kiske/Kotipelto/Ben Sotto high pitched screams once, his voice never becomes boring or sterile. Beautiful, raw and warm are three very fitting words here. You have to hear it for yourselves. Fact number two: guitarist Magnus Karlsson is very, and I mean very, talented. In the promo sheet he promises heaviness as well as melodies, and on that he truly delivers. Is it possible to riff like that with just one axe? Anyway, the good Mr. Karlsson both manages to write interesting songs with lots of variation, and to surprise the listener with they way the songs are played. Somehow, Jeff Loomis of Nevermore comes to mind, and the comparison might not be that far off actually, even though the guys play two different styles of metal. Fact number three: the rhythm section with Dick Lövgren on bass and Jaime Salazar on drums has exactly the tightness this kind of music demands, and that is not bad at all. These guys are full-blood professionals. Add to that a perfect production by Anders “Theo” Theander, and the only thing left to find out is if the songs themselves have anything new to give. Well, they have.

God, who dwells in the distance, thank you for this album, and in particular, a big fat thank you for the songs The Chosen One, The Uncrowned and Only The Innocent. All songs on the album are high quality diamonds, but these three are my personal favorites. I won’t even try to describe the dynamics and beauty of these songs. Listening enjoyment is, after all, a very personal experience. I’m just going to recommend listening to this CD at least one time, and if you like it, to support the band by buying the album. Sometimes one is allowed a glimpse of heaven, and sometimes heaven is even available in music stores. Just a little tip from me…

Last Tribe