Following a series of very progressive albums in the
Dream Theater
template, and a deafening four-year silence (or break-up, depending on who you ask), Sweden's
Tad Morose
are now well into their second incarnation as a more
traditionally
-minded
heavy metal
band. And you know what? This change in musical direction suits them really well -- perhaps better than their original, over-extended vision. In fact, the revamped quintet's third, post-renewal effort (and sixth overall), 2003's
Modus Vivendi
, is arguably their most consistent yet. Mostly trafficking in mid-paced power chords and carefully set melodic nuances, standout songs like
"Anubis,"
"Afraid to Die,"
and
"When the Spirit Rules the World"
are so
metal
, it's difficult to describe them in a more detailed fashion. But just when you think the band might be slipping into a time-signature rut, they wheel out two notable change-ups in quick succession: first the thrasher
"Clearly Insane,"
and then the quasi-power ballad
"Cyberdome."
"Take on the World"
threatens a descent into
Judas Priest
-inspired cheese-
anthemy (anthem, + infamy, get it?), but its driving riff, and singer
Urban Breed
's (no joke, that's his handle) reliably stellar performance ensure that it's a classy, top-notch headbanger instead. Not so the ensuing, enigmatically named, but really rather boring
"Mother Shipton's Words,"
which instantly devolves into a more predictable thrash-out -- and pretty much stays there. Thankfully, this is the exception, not the rule, as subsequent winners like the mini-epic
"Life in a Lonely Grave"
successfully reactivate the band's impressive winning streak through to the end. Additionally,
also packs three illuminating cover versions as fan-pleasing bonus tracks. These naturally showcase
paying affectionate tribute to their heroes, and include renditions of
Uriah Heep
's
"Rainbow Demon,"
Accept
"Losing More Than You've Ever Had,"
and -- perhaps worth sitting down for --
ABBA
"Knowing Me, Knowing You."
~ Eduardo Rivadavia