Destinity

"The Inside" leans toward the heavier side of the melodic death metal spectrum. The drums pound constantly and the vocals have that rabid, monster quality that good death metal front men tend to possess. Rupture Music's production and the mix, mastering and recording by the Hansen Studio crew in Denmark, result in a pulverizing sound. This especially rings true with the upfront drum sound, anchored by a jack hammer double bass. "Inhuman Corrosive Report" is one of the more aggressive numbers featuring head-handed cymbal work and meaty guitar chugging.

Although “The Inside” thrives on pounding aggression, Destinity still retains a melodic aspect (hence the melodic death tag) through Dark Tranquility-like guitar melodies and enchanting keys. Also, drummer Morteüs counters Mick's gruff low vocals with clean vocals bearing the same type of cybernetic timbre as Darkane. One of the more melodious passages comes during “My Senseless Theory.” The end of this track fades away with serene piano keys, distant vocals and a warm, subtle bass line.

Inherit in all great melodic death acts are the ability to balance between hard and light. Destinity doesn't force these transitions, choosing the appropriate moment to bring a huge rhythm crashing down into quant, slumbering atmospherics or vice versa. A track that stands out for this quality is "Ready to Leave". This track begins on an eerie note with wicked string bends in the tradition of Swedish acts such as Dismember or Grave that stop at the toll of a bell. Misty keys provide a haunting back drop to the bell noise, while the double bass gives these early passages a hint of violence.

In a genre pirated by the American metal and hardcore scenes, Destinity's "The Inside" proves that Gothenburg-styled metal is still at its best when done in the traditional way. The group plays the typical Swedish riffs (which if done well, are always great) but doesn't lose the death metal side, which was a major facet of early efforts by genre leaders In Flames and Soilwork. Additionally, Destinity's vocals do not sound emo nor does the band rely on a barrage of over-used, out-of-place breakdowns. Fans that are tired of melodic death being termed “core” should definitely give this one a chance.