Memoriam – Rise To Power

Memoriam returns to the battlefield with “Rise To Power,” their fifth studio album. The British veterans deliver another dose of their signature Bolt Thrower-inspired death metal, but this time with a few twists and turns that keep things interesting. Let’s break down the album track by track and see if Memoriam maintains their reign of terror.

Track-by-Track Onslaught:

• Never Forget, Never Again (6 Million Dead): A powerful opener. The song starts with a mournful guitar melody before exploding into a furious display of blast beats and growled vocals. Memoriam lays out their mission statement here: relentless riffs, catchy hooks, and lyrics that pay homage to the fallen soldiers of war.
• Reduced to Ashes: This track picks up the pace with a d-beat assault that wouldn’t sound out of place on a classic Discharge record. Karl Willetts’ vocals are particularly ferocious here, spitting out lyrics about the horrors of war with venom.
• The War Continues: A return to a more mid-paced tempo, this track showcases Memoriam’s knack for crafting memorable guitar leads. The soaring melody adds a touch of epic grandeur to the proceedings.
• Massacre at Fontenoy: This track delves deeper into Memoriam’s melodic death metal influences. The tremolo-picked guitars create a chilling atmosphere, while the chorus features a surprisingly catchy hook.
• Fight to the Death: A return to pure sonic brutality. This track is a mosh pit starter, guaranteed to get heads banging with its relentless drumming and crushing riffs.
• Undefeated: A brief instrumental interlude provides a moment of respite before the storm resumes. The acoustic guitars and melancholic melody create a sense of reflection amidst the carnage.
• This Pain: The album takes a surprising turn here. Gone are the blast beats and growled vocals, replaced by a slower tempo, clean vocals, and a more progressive approach. This track shows Memoriam’s willingness to experiment without abandoning their core sound.
• Shell Shock: A return to familiar territory. This track is a classic Memoriam stomper, with punishing riffs and a chorus that will lodge itself in your brain.
• Denouncing the Hypocrisy: Another mid-paced track with a focus on melody. The dual guitar harmonies here are a highlight, adding a layer of complexity to the music.
• Ashes to Ashes (Outro): The album closes with a slow and atmospheric instrumental. The melancholic melody provides a sense of closure, leaving the listener with a feeling of awe and respect for the fallen.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

“Rise To Power” is a solid album from Memoriam. The band delivers what they do best: pummeling riffs, catchy hooks, and lyrics that honor the memory of war’s victims. While there are a few moments of experimentation, Memoriam stays true to their roots. Fans of old-school death metal will find much to love here, and those who appreciate bands that keep things interesting will be intrigued by the album’s more progressive moments.

A couple of minor criticisms: Some listeners might find the overall sound a bit derivative, especially for long-time Memoriam fans. Additionally, the experimentation on “This Pain” might feel out of place for some.

However, “Rise To Power” is a potent reminder of Memoriam’s power and songwriting prowess. The album is a worthy addition to their discography and a must-listen for fans of death metal.