After a 10 year hiatus and a significant lineup change, the Swedish Progressive/Power Metal band, Tad Morose is back…with a vengeance! They have hit a lot of turning points since their original formation in the early 90’s. With seven prior albums under their belt, they have created a large fan base over the years. Urban Breed’s (former singer) vocals were known to be the strongest element that held the band together. After his departure in 2005 the future looked bleak and grim. It has been a decade since their near flawless album, Modus Vivendi. They have now come back from the beaten dead road to show they are still alive and well. With Revenant, they have definitely proved themselves that they are not done yet.
Tad Morose is now signed with Despotz Records. The founding member and guitarist Christer “Krunt” Anderson, and the drummer Peter Moren are the only two long term members; the rest are brand new. They have gone through quite a few lineup changes, and after a few years of reforming, the new editions are vocalist Ronny Hemlin, guitarist Kenneth Jonsson and bassist Tommi Karppanen. Revenant shows that this new lineup was definitely meant to be. Hemlin’s diverse vocals bring Tad Morose to a new chapter, and as a whole their known unique style remains intact.
The album opens up heavily to “Beneath a Veil of Crying Souls” and it sounds as though time has not passed at all. The vocals are very strong and the mood remains dark. This first track takes you in as if you are placing your own soul into this song. It’s powerful, moving, and rhythmically put together. The next track, “Follow”, has a melodic intro between the incredible guitar riffs and the drums. The lyrics in this song are a pure example as to what this album is about. “Search within yourself, just follow the voice of your conscience”. The whole album reflects upon the darkness we are all surrounded by, and it’s only up to our own selves to get out of it. “Babylon” keeps the momentum of the album alive. It remains heavy and definitely head bang worthy. The guitar riffs and instrumental solos are consistently in sync and engaging. The next track, “Within a Dream”, is very catchy and expresses a different emotion than the prior. It has a lot of imagery especially in the lyrics; “As I look at the sky I raise my hands and scream. Tell me now the reason why you have forsaken me”. You can actually visualize the words, emotions, and expression throughout this song. “Ares” has a very dark intro and a deeper tone. There are also a few symphonic elements which add uniqueness to the full Revenant aesthetic. The drums stand out a lot on this track as well. At this stage in the album there is no repetition which makes it more enjoyable. “Absence of Light” starts out quiet which gives anticipation and suspense to the listener. Shortly after, the song intensifies and perhaps becomes one of the strongest and diverse tracks in this album. The drums and the guitar solo definitely shine here. There are more symphonic elements which lead to short yet powerful lyrics that would make one think, such as, “I walk in circles. I’ve seen no end. All I see is darkness. All I see is nothing”. Heaviness and darkness still remain with “Death Embrace”. This track has a very powerful intro. The focus switches between the incredible loud drumming and great guitar solo, with the bass definitely shining as well midway through. At this point nothing is boring about this album. The lyrics are yet again powerful, “I look into these empty eyes, reflection of the soul is gone”.
The album does start to go downhill a bit with “Dance of the Damned”. It’s slower moving and nothing really jumps out. It has a bit of a standard and ordinary melody. “Spirit World” saves the flow and it is one of the most unique tracks. It begins peaceful and tranquil and then the mood shifts to complete and utter darkness which is what this album is all about, “Release me from the spirit world, back to life I will hold on”. It shows that in the end we don’t want to die and we will fight to stay alive. The next track “Millenium Lie” is the absolute worst track on the album and could possibly be done without. It’s repetitive and weak. The last track “Gypsy” thankfully ends the album on a great heavy note. You sync right back in and you are reminded that this is a great album. The guitar solo and drums again stand out. The riffs get heavier, faster, and even more enjoyable. At the very end of the song it slowly fades out to the point that you are screaming to hear more.
Most of the tracks in Revenant remain powerful and unique. The melody, guitar riffs, and vocals are the strongest points in the album. It’s heavy, fun, and something that all new and old fans should enjoy. Welcome back Tad Morose! Cryptic Rock gives Revenant 4 out of 5.
- Despotz Records
Written by Zenae Zukowski
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