CoC : Unmoored - Kingdom's Greed : Review

Unmoored - _Kingdom's Greed_
(Pulverised, 2000)
by: Alvin Wee (7 out of 10)

Obviously trying harder than ever to make up for the flop that was their debut album, Unmoored are back with a vengeance, sporting an album that's surprisingly good. This time round, Unmoored buck the annoying hardcore-ish elements of their debut in favour of a semi-technical death/thrash slant, a step many Swedish bands have taken in the past year or so. While not as overly progressive as Theory in Practice, _Kingdom's Greed_ isn't exactly easy-listening material either. "Feral Blaze" kicks things off rather ferociously, Christian "Evil Spice" Alvestam's vicious rasping over grinding guitars a lot more appealing than his previous semi-shouting style. Session skins-pounder Jocke whips up a venerable cacophony of nifty rhythms, while the guitars weave an atonal web of death/thrash riffage interspersed with scorching leads and keyboard epicness. As if to display their knack for melody, "Final State Pt. II" boasts an intro lead worthy of a good (read: early) In Flames album, while screamer Christian busts out his clear singing in a brave show. A ballad of sorts, it's mighty impressive and a welcome break from the disharmony of the previous tracks. Things remain rather thrashy throughout the album, with occasional flashes of brilliance and all-round impeccable musicianship. Unmoored have an arduous climb ahead of them after last album's transgressions, but _KG_ should serve as a mighty push in the right direction. The music is far more original than the cover (ever seen Pestilence's _Spheres_?) and makes for many rewarding listens.

Contact: Pulverised Records, P.O. Box 109, Yishun Central,

(article published 12/8/2000)

CHATS
25/10/2000	A Wee	Unmoored: Simmering in Greed