Stockholm-based outfit Circle Of Chaos return with their second full length, after 2010’s self-released Black Oblivion. The band also released the mini-album Twoheaded Serpent in 2012, by the way, and last year the band was joined by former Necrophobic-member Anders Strokirk on guitar, for your information.
Anyway, Circle Of Chaos signed to German top-label Massacre Records in order to release this sophomore full length studio album, Crossing The Line, which has a total running time of almost thirty four minutes. The melodic Death Metal comes, like many Swedish acts do, with a Thrash-edged fury and a modern production. And unfortunately it means a shameful lack of originality as well. As you might know, I do not really care about ‘being original’, for sometimes the copy shines brighter, or darker, than the original. However, in this case it isn’t quite the truth. Circle Of Chaos do what they have to do: bringing powerful and battering Thrash / Death melodies with a spirit of vengeance and fury, and they do it the right way. But since there are several comparable acts that are at least as convincing, I do not think this act will be able to rule. It wasn’t the case with the former releases (at all), and it won’t be the case right now either, I’m afraid. However, the hard-core fan of this specific sub-genre will surely appreciate the intensity, melody and power. But if you are not that profoundly ‘into’ this kind of ‘music’, you better look out for other material. Nicely skilled personnel, but little conviction.