ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET „21st Century Killing Machine”

Music: Heavy Groove/Thrash
Country: Sweden
Website: http://www.onemanarmy.tv
Duration: 47.37
Cool Songs: Killing Machine, Public Enemy No.1, Hell is for Heroes, So Grim.

Of all the positives that could/have been written about Sweden’s ‘The Crown’ (RIP), vocalist Johan Lindstrand was always the major draw card as far as I was concerned. I was mightily disappointed when he was replaced by Tompa Lindberg for the ‘Crowned in Terror’ album. And of course, Tompa is no slouch hey?? Lindstrand hasn’t got the most powerful metal voices around, his range is a tad limited, yet there has always been something unique about his tortured rasp that immediately stood out from the rest of the clones. Needless to say, I was rather chuffed to here that the lad was about to return in 2006 with his new act ‘One Man Army and the Undead Quartet’.

The absolute BEST thing about ‘OMA’ is that they are NOT a black/thrash act like his former band. It’s no real surprise to me that Johan has rejected the path already tread and opted for the more brooding, considered groove laden metal approach. So no, don’t expect lightning blast beats or riffs of fire – OMA are a much more straight ahead metal act, infusing a mid tempo pacing for the most part with some slightly more rhythmical riff patterns here and there. This album is more about providing a heavy, lumbering, rumbling metal soundtrack (kind of ‘The Haunted’ meets latter period ‘Slayer’) than anything to do with Johan’s past. If there is one slight draw back from this it is that over eleven tracks, the more impatient fan might find that this disc doesn’t quite have enough variation pace wise. Still, it is clear that the song writing is strong enough to keep the head nodding that this is only a minor quip. I can certainly live with it.

Lindstrand has also assembled a stellar band (The Undead Quartet no less) to help him realise his vision. Employing good friend Valle Adzic of Impious to help with the song writing process, the Swedish death/vibe is very much a given on this new album – yet as far as melody is concerned, you will find the ‘Gothenburg’ signature to be a little more understated – this is much more about the riff and menacing groove. Having said that, the lead work of Mikael Lagerblad must be commended – seriously wicked, searing lead work the likes of Kirk Hammett would love to be allowed to indulge in. Got to mention Marek Dobrowolski’s drumming too – nothing to over the top, but just solid, workmanlike back beats that flood the mix with power and energy. This leads me to the stunning thick, bottom feeding, riff emphasising production obtained by Produced by the mighty Dragan at Bohus Studios. ‘21st…’ packs a mighty wallop and adds another significant dimension to the overall impact of the bands song writing. If they can transfer this to the live setting then this band will be worth seeing!

Overall, a nice start to the metal year for 2006 – ‘One Man Army’ won’t turn your world upside down and this is more satisfyingly solid that mind blowing spectacular, yet it does auger well for the future. Plus any Johan Lindstrand led material is better than none!

note: 7.5

Tracklist

Killing Machine
Behind The Church
Public enemy No 1
No Apparent Motive
Hell Is For Heroes
When Hatred Comes To Life
So Grim, So True, So Real
Devil On The Red Carpet
Branded By Iron
Bulldozer Frenzy

Line-up

Johan Lindstrand – Vocals
Valle Adzic – Bass
Marek Dobrowolski – Drums
Pekka Kiviaho – Guitar
Mikael Lagerblad – Guitar