Tears Of Anger - Still Alive

Year of Release: 2004
Label: Lion Music
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 42:24:00

There was a time when, if a certain label released an album, you were confident you'd love it and could buy it blindly. With such a stream of new releases coming out, I have found this does not apply anymore and I am a bit more careful. But fortunately quality music is still being released by the good labels, judging by the album Still Alive, the debut of Tears Of Anger. This band was formed by the brothers Benny and Björn Jansson (both also worked under the name Mindcrime). They had been playing in several bands over the years, but in the late 90s, they joined forces. After having worked with Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye), they asked him to play drums and he did. Later they added Johan Niemann (Therion, Mind's Eye) to the line up.

I must say, the experience of all members, is paying off in this amazing album! Granted, Björn Jansson's vocals are not special, as a matter of fact, he has a pretty standard metal voice: a bit raspy, powerful and dark. But the combination of his vocals, the backing vocals and the music, makes this album so great. It is very addictive and I have played it over and over again. In "Sword of Sorrow," I picked up a hint of Dionysus, another band I totally love, and just as accessible as Tears of Anger. Still Alive brings top notch melodic metal, with tasty heavy riffs, cool solos and a really tight rhythm section.

Opener "The Awakening" is close to spectacular, it could have been taken out of a great movie and sets the tone for what is to come. Flores is a great drummer, providing the perfect foundation for the rest of the music and is nicely complemented by Niemann's bass. Although no keyboards were used, I do hear some in "Afraid Of The Dark," giving it a progressive touch. I really love the vocals in this song. Or check out the riffs in "Walk Away," a more up-tempo song, with a fast double bass. The sound varies from AOR to melodic rock, to some classic heavy metal and they surely keep the album interesting for the listener! Never a dull moment.

Still Alive is like a delicious sandwich: it goes in easily and when it's finished, you still want more. Tears of Anger: congrats on this amazing album! Production is fantastic, which is not always the case with many releases, and I like the dark mood in the artwork, as it fits the tone of the album very well. I can't wait to hear what these guys will come up with next. A follow up would be nice, but not too fast, as I first want to keep listening to this one some more!

Similar bands: Mister Kite

[This review originally appeared August 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
The Awakening / Still Alive / Afraid Of The Dark / Sword Of Sorrow / Nightmare / Moment Of Truth / Revenge Will Come / Watch Me Run / Walk Away / Kings Call / Who I Am

Musicians:
Benny Jansson - Guitar
Björn Jansson - Vocals
Daniel Flores - Drums
Johan Niemann -Bass

Discography:
Still Alive (2004)

Genre: Melodic Metal

Origin SE

Added: November 27th 2004
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.tearsofanger.com/
Hits: 1867
Language: english