The 10th anniversary reissue of Promethium’s 2010 debut album, Welcome to the Institution, arrived one year late -- blame the coronavirus pandemic. But better late than never.
The Lancaster, UK-based band, citing influences that include Metallica, Megadeth and Pantera, appeared at a time when melodic old-school metal was experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Eschewing the pretentiousness of progressive metal and the silliness of power metal, Promethium’s no-nonsense approach was (and still is) refreshing. Songs like “Tribute to the Fallen” and “Murder Inc.” address the horror of war and recount a grotesque killing spree, respectively. Others, like “Cycle of Vengeance” and “The Curse,” are balls-to-the-wall headbangers. Through it all, you can hear the passion of a young band ready to rock and hungry for success.
All 10 original tracks on Welcome to the Institution have been remixed and remastered to sound as potent as the band initially intended, and the album now comes with a sinister new cover. Bonus material includes three of the album’s most blistering cuts (“Visions,” “Nothing,” “Murder inc.”) re-recorded in 2020 with the band’s current lineup -- which still boasts original guitarists Daniel Lovett-Horn and Rossi. The final bonus track is “Sons Revenge,” the first song Promethium ever wrote. It was recorded in 2007 and shows this band’s early promise.
Although Promethium has evolved over the last decade -- with lineup changes, two additional studio albums and an even stronger musical identity -- this record reminds listeners of where it all began and serves as the perfect starting point for newcomers.
Track Listing:
1. Distant Illusion
2. Visions
3. Meaning of Trust
4. Nothing
5. Tribute to the Fallen
6. 33.1
7. Cycle of Vengeance
8. Trapped
9. The Curse
10. Murder Inc.
11. Visions (2020)
12. Nothing (2020)
13. Murder Inc. (2020)
14. Sons Revenge (Bonus Track)
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