Swedish melodic death metallers The Duskfall are back with their third effort on Nuclear Blast, Lifetime Supply of Guilt. Influenced by the likes of At the Gates, In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Soilwork, and Darkane, the band is just that, a product of their influences. This is serviceable thrash/melo-death, well played and executed, but after repeated spins it just seems to be slightly lacking. Sure, there are plenty of raging metal rockers here fueled by growling vocals and speedy guitar riffs, like "Going Down Screaming" and the furious "Break the Pact". The problem is that we have heard this all before, and better, but in all honesty, let's give the band some credit. The guitar work is very melodic, and while I prefer the more complex riffs of the bands mentioned above, The Duskfall manage to churn out some stuff here that is heavy and catchy at the same time. Many of the originators of the Swedish melodic death metal sound use keyboards to give a more progressive effect, which The Duskfall stay away from, instead going for a more straightforward thrash style, which they do quite well, like on the thick and groovy "Hours Are Wasted", complete with Pantera-like riffs and Kai Jaakkola's gurgling screams.
Lifetime Supply of Guilt is likely to appeal to anyone who has any interest in the Swedish metal scene. Personally, I found something missing here which didn't allow me to fully connect with it on all fronts, but like I mentioned the CD still has a lot going for it. You can't deny the fact that the band has an aggressive and hungry sound, and there's plenty of melody here to help offset some of the brutality. Definitely a band to watch out for.
Track Listing
1. Trust Is Overrated
2. Shallow End
3. Break the Pact
4. Stubborn Soul
5. Shoot It In
6. Going Down Screaming
7. Hours Are Wasted
8. Sympathy Has Deceased
9. Downright Dreadful
10. Relive Your Fall
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