Insnärjd (Monumentum Scandinavia)

 “Insnärjd” is the second work of this Swedish band, which although was formed in 1994, have released only an EP called “Den Yttersta Tiden” in 2005, before this brand new assault… The music Admonish delivers here could be easily labelled as Melodic Black Metal, where the fairly complex guitar riffs are complemented by atmospheric keyboard melodies, reaching a rather epic aura, somewhat reminiscent to the early sound of Borknagar at the most violent passages. The vocal work here is definitely a highlight, enclosing a pretty wide rank of vocalizations, mainly based in mid toned ripping shrieks, occasionally complemented by deep growls, clean vocals and even some sporadic female voices. Although the clean voices add indisputably some textures, diminish the whole tension accumulated during the most aggressive vocal passages, resulting in some pretty lazy parts, which, even when aren’t disastrous, worsen (just a little) the whole EP’s powerful intensity.  The drum work follows without misadventures the whole EP structure, with a pretty standard, still accurate performance, complemented by really strong and powerful bass lines, delivering a deep and solid sound. There’re two completely instrumental tracks at this work; the enigmatic and ghostly “Istid” and the baroque “Legacy”, both tracks delivers soothing interludes, accurately placed to create a peaceful aura around the violent “Glimpse” and the obscure “Journey Into Afterlife” with some really good results… An also remarkable detail is the whole artwork, with an evocative cover and a richly arranged inlay art. The whole EP consist in five tracks clocked at 26 minutes of well arranged Black Metal, full of intense atmospheres and wintry melodies, elements that, even when shows nothing remotely original here, delivers at this EP a good piece of carefully composed and nicely arranged Black Metal. (AP)