INDEFINITE SOUL-EXTENSION

"Indefinite Soul-Extension" is the 3rd full-length studio album by Swedish death metal act Unmoored. The album was released through Code666 Records in October 2003. It´s the successor to "Kingdoms of Greed" from 2000 and features two lineup changes since the predecessor as drummer Jocke Pettersson has been replaced by Henrik Schönström and bassist Torbjörn Öhrling has been replaced by Thomas "Plec" Johansson, who also handles lead guitars on "Indefinite Soul-Extension".

It´s safe to say that neither of the band´s preceding album releases left a good impression on me. Both are inconsistent in style and execution, and neither feature productions which help the material shine. Thankfully "Indefinite Soul-Extension" is a completely different beast, and Unmoored finally show what they are capable of. Stylistically the material is melodic and progressive tinged type of Swedish death metal. Edge of Sanity is a valid reference, and it´s probably fans of that band (and the few similar styled artists out there. Fans of Soilwork may find this interesting too), who would get listening pleasure from "Indefinite Soul-Extension". While the music certainly is melodic, this is not melodeath. It´s still rooted in 90s old school Swedish death metal, but it´s a melodic tinged and progressive inclined version of the style. There´s good rhythmic variation throughout the album, from heavy mid-paced grooves to fast paced aggressive sections, to slow epic moments.

Lead vocalist/guitarist Christian Älvestam performs both death metal growls and some really well sounding clean vocals, which are not far removed from Dan Swanö´s (Edge of Sanity) voice and clean vocal style. The basic instrumentation are guitars, bass, and drums, but keyboards are occasionally used to create atmosphere and epic moments. Unmoored are a skilled unit, and everything is performed with great skill and conviction. So high level musicianship on all posts. "Indefinite Soul-Extension" also features a powerful, detailed, yet still brutal sounding production, which suits the material perfectly.

To my ears this is like listening to a forgotten Edge of Sanity album, and although Unmoored of course put their own spin on things, and avoid sounding like a complete clone of their fellow countrymen, there are undeniably more similarities than differences between the two artists found on "Indefinite Soul-Extension". So upon conclusion Unmoored still lack that last piece of originality to make them stand out as a unique entity on the scene. That doesn´t mean "Indefinite Soul-Extension" isn´t a high quality release, because it certainly is. Intriguing songwriting, high level musical performances, and a professional and well sounding production job, are all features which ensure that the end product is a high standard release. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)