Review : AMORAL – “Show Your Colors”

Amoral – Show Your Colors
originally released May 6, 2009 on Spinefarm Records | added to WRUV February 2, 2010

Have you ever wondered what Skid Row would sound like if the band were Finnish dudes, instead of New Jersey natives? I didn’t, until this Helsinki group released their fourth album, and it’s brimming with anthemic might!

Veering from their technical melodeath origins, the band adopted singer Ari Koivunen, winner of the 2007 “Idols” competition. The focus now is on strong grooves and catchy hooks above all else, with Ari’s clean, charismatic vocals at the forefront. Thankfully, they still keep the solos and incorporate subtle keyboard effects, stylistically similar to Children of Bodom.

The album is rather top-heavy. Following the acoustic intro is “Release”: a ferocious mid-paced rocker with a great chorus, and solid demonstration of their range. “A Shade of Grey” shifts into the highest gear on the album, which is perhaps why “Year of the Suckerpunch” hits the ears so pleasantly (it’s the first single and catchiest – though not the best). “Perfection Design” nails Southern swagger, while “Sex n’ Satan” captures the debauched lifestyle they’re trying to emulate.

The aura is better executed on “Vivid”, a highlight of the second half, and continues into “Gave Up Easy”. Both are good examples of how to amplify traditional hard rock song structures. Unfortunately, “Last October” is a tepid ballad that seems to lead into “Exit”, especially on a thematic level. But even on its own, as the longest song here it could use some pruning. Don’t let the shortcomings keep you from listening, though – this is power metal done right!

FCC: 7, 11
Try 2, 3, 5, 8, 9

01. Random Words
02. Release
03. A Shade of Gray
04. Year of the Suckerpunch
05. Perfection Design
06. Sex N’ Satan
07. Song for the Stubborn
08. Vivid
09. Gave Up Easy
10. Last October
11. Exit

Rating: