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Even before releasing their debut CD Engel has toured with some big name acts including Dimmu Borgir, Amon Amarth and Atreyu. Part of the reason is their pedigree. The Swedish band's members include guitarists Niclas Engelin (In Flames) and Marcus Sunesson (The Crown), bassist Michael Hakansson (Evergrey), drummer Mojjo (Lord Belial) and vocalist Mangan Klavborn. Engelin's ex bandmate Anders Friden from In Flames recorded and mixed the CD with help from Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, In Flames).
Absolute Design is melodic death metal mixed with metalcore and industrial. With the background of Engel's members, this doesn't live up to expectations. The songs aren't very memorable, and some have a retro nu-metal vibe, which is a definite negative. Klavborn's melodic vocals are decent, but his harsh vocals are pretty generic.
There are a couple good songs here, but Absolute Design is very inconsistent. With such a strong lineup and production team, this CD should have been much better.
(released May 20, 2008 on SPV Records)
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