Search - Raunchy :: Death Pop Romance

Still one of the best overlooked Metal Groups

C. M. Gillum | Michigan | 04/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

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I. REGUARDING RAUNCHY

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Raunchy is a band that defies catagorization. Though many attempt to throw Raunchy in the 'Nu Metal' bin, They merely use some 'American Influence' nothing more nothing less. If I were to catagorize them I would considered them Industrial Metal. And only two bands come to mind when I listen to Raunchy, Fear Factory for the odd yet so satisfying mixture of machine gun riffing and Industrial Keyboarding and Arrangements. And the second would be Strapping Young Lad, Mainly due to the mixed vocals work that can change from Death Metalish growls to Clean outbursts of sweet melody. Reguardless Raunchy is a very original band and I only see very SLIGHT similarities between these bands.



::MEMBERS::

Vocals: Kasper Thomsen

Guitar: Jesper Tilsted

Guitar: Lars Christensen

Bass: Jesper Kvist

Keyboards: Jeppe Christensen

Drums: Morten Toft Hansen





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II. TRACK LISTING

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1. This Legend Forever

2. Abandon Your Hope

3. Phantoms

4. The Curse Of Bravery

5. Remembrance

6. Live The Myth

7. City Of Hurt

8. Persistence

9. The Velvet Remains

10.Farewell To Devotion





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III. DEATH POP ROMANCE

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DPR marks the leaving of previous vocalist Lars Vognstrup whom was heard on both previous albums 'Velvet Noise' & 'Confusion Bay'. But to most Raunchy fans supprize Kasper Thomsen filled his shoes nicely, Still keeping to the Death Growl/Melodic Vocals. As usual the intense and sometimes even creepy inclusion of industrial/electronica is seen in full force, yet still not overpowering the band except in small break away and melodic points. This CD has seemed to split fans for one sole reason, This is Raunchy's heaviest album to date. Though melody still lingers most of the album is filled with machine gun riffing, Mind numbing double bass and Raunchy's signature Death/Clean vocal style. Though I rather enjoy the fact that they choose a heavier path for DPR, I can understand why some were let down. I truely advise getting Raunchy's first two albums before listening to DPR, And listen to them in the order of release, 'Velvet Noise','Confusion Bay' and then 'Death Pop Romance' so you can truely hear why Raunchy is a band worth your time.. They evolve, Unlike many more popular American Musicians they are constantly trying to 'one up' the previous albums and have so far done so 'In My Oppinion' flawlessly and as such, To me anyways. Raunchy still remain 'One of the best Overlooked Metal Groups' in the genre today.





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IN-ICED-FLAMES

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Extreme metal with poppy melodies

Murat Batmaz | Istanbul, Turkey | 03/21/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Raunchy from Denmark are releasing their third full-length album through their new label Lifeforce Records. The album is appropriately titled Death Pop Romance giving a good idea of its content without hearing it. I like the fact that Raunchy are aware that they're on a much different musical route than other death metal bands which focus on relentless riffage, deep and guttural vocals, and crushing rhythms.



Raunchy is basically more of a melodic metal band utilising some screamed and some raspy vocals, along with pop music sensibilities. Noted producer Jacob Hansen has injected the album a very polished and shiny mix, which should help them break in more commerical circles. The production is similar to the later day In Flames albums and could perhaps be compared to Soilwork's post-Natural Born Chaos stuff. Huge melodic choruses, sung in both clean and raspy vocals, thick guitar and bass rhythms, and boomy drum beats. Truth be told, their songs on this disc are all based on the same formula, where Kasper Thomsen spurts out semi-growled verses followed by multi-sung clean sing-along choruses. From hardcore meets metalcore type of singing on "This Legend Forever" (where the bass truly stands out) to the more synth-pop driven "Abandon Your Hope" or the electronica-laced "Remembrance", all songs feature a healthy dose of melodic key lines courtesy of Jeppe Christensen and he also experiments with darker themes underlying Jesper Tilsted and Lars Christensen's fiery rhythm guitars. Moreover, he plays a nice synth lead on the track "Persistence". The drumming by Morten Toft Hansen in the intro of "Live the Myth" and the Fear Factory type of industrial sound effects on "City of Hurt" also caught my attention.



All things considered, Raunchy's new disc is an okay melodic metal offering with plenty of pop elements. Unlike new In Flames and new Soilwork, this band doesn't claim to be the heaviest on the planet, which gives them an extra edge. This is good stuff for fans of modern metal."

Good, but should stick to the melody

Seth FM | Denver, Co. | 03/27/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"While metal music is making a huge comeback, especially coming from outside the United States, it is also in danger of stereotyping itself. The newest album from Raunchy is a solid selection of songs that show alot of talent and a knack for strong songwriting. However, this album seems to follow the same formula as countless other bands on the scene today. While I enjoyed the album overall, I couldn't help but feel like I'd already heard that "gruff with a melodic chorus" singing style with the sparatic machine gun double bass kick in the background numerous times before. While I love bands like In Flames, Soilwork, and Trivium, it would be nice to hear a band depart from what is quickly evolving into the norm in heavy music today. In Raunchy's case, Id like to hear even more of the melodic singing, as it is one of the groups strongest attributes. Overall, this is certainly worth checking out, and it will be very interesting to see how this band progresses in thier sound on future releases."