Hailing from Norway’s shores, Kristiansand-based outfit RULES OF ENGAGEMENT is as fresh as the morning dew. Founded back in February 2006 the guys already entered a studio in June and came out with their first professional two-track demo entitled Saved By Insanity.
Forgotten and Saved By Sanity are melodic prog metal pieces that easily get stuck in your ears. But they are far away from the influences the band names in their info as there are Meshuggah, Nevermore, In Flames, Dimmu Borgir... etc. A good deal more I feel reminded of their countrymen Green Carnation. As for these two songs RULES OF ENGAGEMENT don’t add anything special or innovative to this genre. Not too much of tricky guitar work and break abuse, no keyboards sweeten and trivialize the music, which turns out to be catchy and homogeneous. Speaking about the production I find they could have added a bit more punch and power.
Ok, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT got off the grid well, a new EP is in the works so it remains to be seen with what they will come in the near future and what they can make out of their potential.