DEADLANDS

This third full-length CD by Madder Mortem features is still my personal favorite. The music is is intricate, heavy rock with unusual vocal lines that remind me of a keyboard less King Crimson, Anekdoten or Landberk. "Distance Will Save Us" has intricate metres and reminds me of Shylock's "Ile de Fievre" at times, while "Faceless" sounds like something off Anekdoten's Vemod without the Mellotron but with a far better singer. Agnete Kirkevaag's voice can sound sweet and pure, but she also knows how to belt out and rock. Her harmonizations and vocal melodies give the songs a late sixties touch, her vocal similarities to Grace Slcik heighten that effect even, but the metal influences keep the sound modern and up to date.

This is a really fine CD that rewards multiple listens. Recommended.