CoC : Centinex - Reborn Through Flames : Review

Centinex - _Reborn Through Flames_
(Repulse, 1998)
by: Paul Schwarz (7 out of 10)

As you may recall, I reviewed _Reflections_ [CoC #26] and felt that Centinex's main problems were lack of looseness (due to the use of a drum machine, as I found out later) and a somewhat unoriginal musical formula. Well, Centinex are still using a drum machine and they still sound the same; however, this time 'round, their songwriting, and even drum programming, has improved immensely. The band is still sticking to their "we are being true to old-Swedish-death-metal" excuse for not sounding even vaguely different from the status quo, but originality, or even creativity, are not what I am awarding them marks for. The simple fact is that _Reborn Through Flames_ is listenable, heavy and well constructed. Their leads still ring true and some of their melodic segues and occasionally main riffs are also cool. If they could rid themselves of the flat, predictable sound the drum machine, I would guarantee a great improvement. Why have I given them a 7 out of 10 again, you ask? For two reasons: 1) not changing their sound at all and almost re-using riffs (e.g. "The Arch of Serenity"); 2) including a -terrible- cover of Kreator's "Under the Guillotine" in the middle of the album (programmable CD players or fast reactions recommended to avoid this abomination). One thing I like about this band is that they always have a dark atmosphere; I just wish they could harness it better. The problem isn't their playing or production -- Tomas Skogsberg has done a sterling, though generic, production job. It's the band's attitude. Either they can't think of anything else to do or they can't make the leap of faith to do something more interesting and original, or at least not do the same thing as last time.

(article published 19/11/1998)

ALBUMS
5/31/2005	J Smit	7.5	Centinex - World
9/1/2002	A Wee	5.5	Centinex - Diabolical Desolation
10/12/1999	P Schwarz	4	Centinex - Bloodhunt
11/17/1997	P Schwarz	7	Centinex - Reflections