That is the opening line to the Swedish/Danish collaboration Amaranthe's 5th studio effort "Helix", a statement that is most likely true to anyone who is in the music business, to construct something that will be enjoyed for generations to come. While Amaranthe may not have presented us with any masterpieces so far, they have at the very least established a sound and style that no other band out there has replicated successfully. Let us see if they take their trademarked sound to new, breathtaking levels.
To accomplish immortality, Amaranthe has made a shift in the line-up. Founder Jake E left the band last year, and has been replaced by Nils Molin, whom some of you might recognize from the melodic power metal band Dynazty. Not to say anything bad about Jake, he is a good singer and all, but Nils is a clear upgrade. The guy has an incredible range, being this dynamic dynamo that together with female vocalist Elize Ryd and harsh vocalist Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson create a bulletproof symbiosis, the corner stone to the entire Amaranthe sound. It is a slight shame that he does not get much space to work with, but when he does, like in the ballad "Unified" and the speed freak "Iconic", he delivers big time.
Otherwise it is same old song and dance with Amaranthe, it is catchy cyber metal that has a black belt in vocal harmonies. It is obvious however that the two year absent (which is like a life time knowing how frequently the band has released albums) and the member change has given the band a new spark of life. Not that the band have evolved their music or anything, but "Helix" just sounds a lot more fresh than the past two records "Massive Addictive" and "Maximalism". Maybe it is just the sleek production that is even sleeker that fools my mind, but whatever it is, it sounds neat.
The song writing is in the same line, it is classic Amaranthe stuff with few real surprises, but it has more punch to it. The opening quartet of "The Score", "365", "Inferno", and "Countdown" is a brilliant way to start the album, displaying a crash course in what Amaranthe is capable of with some groove, some power, and some bubble gum choruses that stick, but do not annoy. It is unfortunately a little of a flat line album despite all this vibrant power, with the sound changing marginally from track to track. The only stark contrast is when the ballad "Unified" enters the stage, but that is towards the very end of the record, so by that time you are probably already full of that sugary metal, and maybe in desperate need of a detox. "Breakthrough Starshot" stands out as well, but it is a groovy time travel to the 90's that is on the edge of being cringy. A strange habit the band has at least one time per album.
Overall though, I have to say that Amaranthe has delivered a strong and solid effort that fans will embrace with ease. Is it a revolutionary album? No. Does newcomer Nils Molin give the band a new influence? Not really. Will it bring in new fans? Most likely not. However, "Helix" is still a catchy onslaught that is one of the band's best efforts, definitely in line with their first two records. It may be like a donut, a pastry with too much sugar and the most healthy piece is the hole, but it is a tasty treat that you can spoil yourself with from time to time.
Songs worthy of recognition: Inferno, The Score, 365, Unified
Rating: 7,5/10 Countdowns
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More reviews of Amaranthe
The Nexus
Massive Addictive
Maximalism
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