Amaranthe have been around for a handful of years, and within those years, they’ve been making massive impacts in the industry. I’ve been anticipating this album for a good portion of the year, and now that it’s released, it is time to dive into Amaranthe’s third album, Massive Addictive. The title is aptly described as such, one heavy, catchy album whose melodies and choruses are inescapable from ones mind. Each track brings it own form of catchiness, as there are twelve, full-length tracks revolving around many topics within a world that is entirely their own. In my opinion, this album is different than their previous two albums, and the elements of electronics and keys are heavily present on this one. This is the first album with new third lead vocalist, Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson, as former screamer, Andreas Solvestrom departed at the end of last year. Like I said, their short lifespan as a band as been one epic adventure, I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a band that has achieved so much in their little lifetime. After hearing this album, my stance on Amaranthe has not changed, for they are a great band with some of the best lyrics I’ve ever listened to.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2e_3ZnJcTE[/tube]
The opener, Dynamite, is a heavy one, and later on catchy. I will probably be using that word a lot for this album, “catchy.” Theres a significant amount of time to headbang, as the group follows the same time signature of semi-technical rhythms. If you didn’t check out the first single, Drop Dead Cynical, that’s alright as I put the video here for you. It’s heavy, it’s groovy, it’s catchy, it’s an anthem, a simplistic track to get the adrenaline rushing along. Trinity, is a more intimate song that drives optimism and hope to the listener. While it gets extremely heavy at one point, the majority of the track carries a special melodic essence that is mind boggling. The title track of the album, Massive Addictive, pretty much stays low key throughout. This was one of the other tracks that found itself creeping into my mind randomly throughout my days.
If you like power anthems with a kickass tune, Digital World, is an amazing track. Straight out of a Sci-fi film, the track speaks of a digital world where the future is sold, we can never die or grow old. Perhaps our conscience will be programmed into a network one day in the future? Who knows, I’d rather not. The breakdown is intense, this track is absolutely livid. As it’s been a constant feature with the previous two albums, this one also includes a ballad. The track titled, True, covers a typical theme of love and passion. Compared to their other ballads on the other albums, this ballad wasn’t too strong. I was hoping for some eargasmic guitar emotion, oh well, no biggie. My current favorite track out of the whole album, as I haven’t abused the hell out of the replay/loop option, is the track Skyline. It’s melody and harmonics are eargasmic. Jake sings a catchy chorus, that is familiar but original. It’s almost as energetic as Digital World, just a notch lower. Overall, another adrenaline rush of a song. The album ends with a song I thought was pretty average. Titled, Exhale, it is also along the catchy blend of tunes, I did not find myself latching on to this track strongly, as I did with many of the other ones, therefore the ending was average.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdyExxpd3Pg[/tube]
Overall, an album with high expectations, I was let down just a tiny bit. The last few tracks, aside from Skyline, were not too strong compared to the first half, which is intense and heavy. In my opinion, their previous album, The Nexus, is better. Perhaps they should stick to heavier sets of songs, as the slower ones weren’t too enticing. Nonetheless, the album was not too shabby, and I had to be honest with my scoring, as much as a fan of the group I am. The group is currently about to kickoff a very short headlining tour in the states, then the rest of the world after this month. My final thoughts on this album…..not as strong as The Nexus, but still decent, electronic and keys are the most present on this album, and of course its catchy. It’s massive tunes are quite addictive……it’s Massive Addictive. Stay Metal m/
Massive Addictive: 8/10
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In a world where safety and terror are affecting the world, Amaranthe shed some light on various topics. It was an honor to hear what they had to say about the future of the group, how it all began, the dedicated fans, the recent attacks in Paris and much more. Jake E, was absent from the tour as he is back home tending to his family, so it was great to talk to his replacement for the tour, Chris Adam, from his band, Smash Into Pieces.
The Metal Alchemy 