The Mindmaker--RealAudio

The band tightens down the screws on this release, and returns with a disc full of ripping and aggressive music. The same vocally-melodic choruses are present, but seem to work a bit better now, as the distorted pace is often kept cranked in the corner for the duration of most songs. With bands like Soilwork, Children of Bodom, and others, you have some excellent extreme/melodic-death music being made today. Soilwork doesn't possess as much (instrument) talent or variety as COB, but their undying aggressive approach fuels their tracks none-the-less.
Numerous tunes smoke and crackle. "Rejection Role" is pulsing at album's start, "Overload" has some strong sliding guitar work, "The Mindmaker" features a rapid-rolling pace, and a mean pre-chorus rhythm marks "Distortion Sleep".
Other good cuts include "Cranking the Sirens," "Strangler," "Brickwalker," and the title track. "Departure Plan" has a melodic/heavy mix, and could probably pass on many of today's "new music" radio stations.

TRACK LIST: Rejection Role/Overload/Figure Number Five/Strangler/Light the Torch/Departure Plan/Cranking the Sirens/Brickwalker/The Mindmaker/ Distortion Sleep/Downfall24