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“don’t overthink it” was coined for. ‘Helix’ is the latest offering from Amaranthe, the first since Nils Molin took over the job of clean male vocals from Jake E Lundberg. It is a bit of a head-swim if you are not totally familiar with the band. The EDM might put people off, the screams and growls might put other people off, but bubbling under all that is a fresh, blood-pumping sound that is strong enough to rise above any cynicism. Besides, how can you question Amaranthe’s metal credentials after listening to the punishing drums from Morten Sorensen on ‘Iconic’? Molin you might recognise from Dynazty, his impressive pipes making them one of those bands that deserve to be way bigger than they are. Here, he fits in well with fellow clean vocalist Elize Ryd as well as screamer Henrik. The three different vocal styles strongly compliment each other, especially on moments like opening track ‘The Score’, the infectious ‘Inferno’, ‘Unified’ and the insane ‘Breakthrough Starshot’. Sometimes unfairly overlooked when lists of female metal vocalists are compiled, Elize sounds as strong as ever. As equally comfortable on the harder, faster moments like ‘Momentum’ as she is on the softer tracks such as ‘Unified’, but with the screams from Henrik breaking up the “moment”, ‘Unified’ is hardly a stereotypical “softer” track. Amaranthe might not be for everyone, the mash-up of styles will no doubt put some people off from both sides. If you are unfamiliar with them, take a chance on ‘Helix’. There is enough variety and plenty of banging tunes to go round. Something for everyone really. Available now on Spinefarm Records. Amanrathe UK tour dates with Powerwolf as follows: NOV 12 KOKO – London JAN 19 Manchester Academy 2 – Manchester JAN 20 SWG3 – Glasgow JAN 21 SWX – Bristol JAN 22 Birmingham The Mill – Birmingham Review: Oli]]>
