CoC : Diabolical - Synergy : Review

Diabolical - _Synergy_
(Scarlet Records, 2001)
by: Vincent Eldefors (7.5 out of 10)

Sweden still has a lot to offer when it comes to metal, and Diabolical are one of the country's most interesting young acts. Last year they released an MCD through a small Swedish label, and it showed that this was a band to be taken seriously. They have now released their debut full-length album on Italian Scarlet Records. Diabolical have developed further into an even more technical style, and with a bigger label behind them the sound quality is also a lot better. I can't help comparing Diabolical to In Flames, as there are lots of beautiful melodies on this album, but Diabolical's sound is rougher, darker and a lot closer to black metal. They sound closer to Witchery, but a little less playful. Incidentally, the album's fifth track is called "Guidance of Sin", and I can't help wondering whether this title was chosen as a tribute to the Swedish band with the same name. Anyway, if you think In Flames are moving away from the essence of extreme metal but would still like to hear beautiful melodies and great killer riffs, then Diabolical is a band worth looking out for. If no major problems or obstacles lie ahead of this band, they should go far in the near future.

(article published 14/1/2002)

ALBUMS
21/4/2009	Q Kalis	6.5	Diabolical - The Gallery of Bleeding Art