Search - Sentenced :: Frozen (Reis)

One of this amazing group's best efforts.

Cory Blamire | Boston MA USA | 03/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tied with their other seven full-length releases, each one a magnum opus in its own right. This is certainly the most atmospheric of the eight. Both the synergistic confidence of the band's new lineup and the production quality had improved greatly from Down (this album's predecessor and new singer Ville Laihala's first with the band). They really hit their stride with Frozen, and some might say their creative peak. While the next few efforts were all solid and possessed many strong moments that in some cases overshadow the best songs from earlier in their catalogue, they did arguably begin to repeat themselves after Frozen; probably lending to their decision to end on a high note with the career-retrospective Funeral Album. Either way, there is a pronounced element of genuine melancholy to their sound in the works leading up to and including Frozen that is absent (or at least far more understated) in the subsequent three. Songs like The Suicider, however, foreshadow new trends such as the shift toward tongue-in-cheek black humor that would later become a lyrical trademark.



One thing I must object to is the constant comparisons of Laihala to James Hetfield of Metallica, who in my opinion is a far inferior vocalist (and guitarist, for that matter). I'll grant that there may be similarities in their overall vocal style (deep, aggressive clean singing that approaches but never quite crosses over into growling), and perhaps even their voices (though Ville's is virtually angelic, whereas James's is still more or less that of the pubescent boy who shrieked Hit The Lights) - but as far as range and skill are concerned there is absolutely no contest whatsoever, rendering any mention of Hetfield trite and useless.



Sentenced are that rare great band, who - despite having a great vocalist - leave you looking forward to their technically sound and emotively potent instrumentals."