Comments on: Swallow the Sun "Hope" CD

By: Jesse

Jesse — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 03:55:38 +0000

I've always felt StS used far too much keyboards (and/or far too loud in the mix) and the My Dying Bride riffing style (chug chug chugga..) they generally adhere to doesn't do it for me either. I was pleased to hear the keyboards had been reigned back quite a bit on this album, but their music is still based on a riffing technique that I, for whatever reason, find lackluster and ineffective emotionally. The track "The Justice of Suffering" (featuring guest vocals by Jonas Renkse of Katatonia) is without a doubt the highlight by far — and infact the particular PART he sings on is sheer brilliance compared to what surrounds it. Of course I'm probably scrutinizing StS more than the average Joe, since I hold this general genre/scene close to my heart. I /want/ to love it, but it usually doesn't click. Only a couple parts/songs do. Oh well.

By: Invisible Oranges

Invisible Oranges — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 04:25:42 +0000

This is great stuff. You're right, "doom" is inadequate to describe this band. And in case you missed Katatonia the last time, they're playing at Jaxx on Sept. 4 along with Swallow the Sun, Insomnium, and Scar Symmetry. What a bill!

By: stevhan_ti

stevhan_ti — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 13:15:34 +0000

They're very popular in their homeland, all local metal and rockbands are very popular in Suomi. If you ever get the chance go to Tuska festival in Helsinki. Also check out Fall of the leafe and Moonsorrow and if you want some Finish weirdness go for Circle or Viikate. Anyway Hope will soon be released on vinyl through garden of exile I'm thinking of picking one of these babies up.

By: L.ron

L.ron — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:24:16 +0000

holy crap. iam glad you turned me on to this band. the keyboard stuff along with pounding "everything" is spectacular…..