Agarthus - Unearthed (2012)

Dissection planted a seed back in '93 when they released their debut, 'The Somberlain,' and from that seed the Swedish scene and extreme metal in general grew increasingly more melodic in the years to follow. These days you can see that influence every where, even in some odd place, like my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which is exactly where Agarthus is from. Formed in 2011, 'Unearthed' is the debut full-length from this Milwaukee based band that is led by guitarist/vocalist James Schreck with drummer Craig Hikade alongside him, as well as, bassist Jeno Vitrano and guitarist Matt Nielson.

As you've no doubt already guessed, Agarthus plays a style of Swedish melodic death/black metal not unlike the already mentioned Dissection, but other legends of that scene, such as, Sacramentum, Mörk Gryning, Unanimated, Vinterland, and, well you know the list.

With the music moving at a mostly speedier pace it has a naturally high drive to it, with competent melodies and some memorable leads that lock me in and keep my interest. There's also a sense of more traditional black metal character through the dissonant and blasting parts, though it seems there's always a good melody to back these portions up. The vocals are about as typical as you'd expect as they range from raspier screams to a more guttural approach, but it works well enough. Acoustics are briefly used, but there's a lack of guitar solos, which really would have escalated the record to the next level. Perhaps as a result of their absence, the songs will tend to sound quite samey from track to track, and the fact that the music is mostly fast with little variation in speed makes this seven track thirty five minute album somewhat blend together, in less of course you hear the songs on a more random basis.

Nevertheless, this is a decent debut record. If they could add the solos, vary up the speed, add more acoustics and get a fuller production they'd be nailing that classic Dissection sound, which is what I'm assuming they originally intended to do. If curious it can be downloaded HERE.