The reason I know about NIGHTRAGE at all, is because of ex-AT THE GATES vocalist Tomas Lindberg. He did the screams, sneers, and growls on their first albums, you see. I haven’t given any of them a listen, as I’m very selective when it comes to Melodic Death Metal. IN FLAMES are responsible for this with their release of “The Jester’s Race”, it serves as a benchmark when reviewing bands claiming (or claimed) to be playing the same kind of music. It’s not the only of course.

NIGHTRAGE is listed as Swedish band but the founder is not from such shores, we are talking about an immigrant here. One that contributes. Mario Iliopoulos hails from über Christian Greece (they’ve pictures of Jesus even on telephone cards) and that may be one of the reasons for his move to the heathen north.

The music, however, is as Swedish as it gets.

Take SOILWORK, IN FLAMES (modern), DARK TRANQUILLITY, and you have more than enough information to decide if this band is worth a check. If you are totally unfamiliar with the genre (what’s the address to the stone you live under?) I would like to inform you that this mix equals emotions blended with “heavy” riffs. Very brief there, but you know pretty much all by now.    

As usual when it comes to Swedish bands, it’s pretty much flawless concerning technical skills and sound quality. Unless you listen to gritty stuff exclusively, of course; if so, then I (or rather Alex) just found you another thing to hate. Personally my feelings are lukewarm.

I’ve heard it all before, and better. If you are young, or just haven’t listened much to Melodic Death Metal yet, (but have nothing against the idea of doing so) NIGHTRAGE is a good starting-point.

I’m way too jaded for this stuff to ignite me.  

(Online May 16, 2007)