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SoilworkThe Ride Majestic

Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s)

★★★☆ A darker, and yet more expansive turn from the usually uber-predictable kings of melodeath. Everyone in the band is in top form, of course, with special props to Dick Verbeuren and Sylvain Coudret on drums and rhythm guitars, respectively. As for the songsmithing, the departures from their norm are generally very welcome, and at times remind me of Dream Theater, Gojira, and other proggy bands (each at their own darkest). That said, there is some conspicuous awkwardness to the band when they’re in an experimental mood (check out the end of “Enemies In Fidelity” for a choice example of WTF), but at least it’s interesting at the very least.