Matters of The Dark

Century Media

Remember the glory days of heavy metal when bands like Iron Maiden, Ronnie James Dio, and Judas Priest dominated the world of rock? Those days may be gone, but are definitely far from forgotten. Besides the fact that all three of these artists are still around today and strong as ever, there is a new generation of metal warriors rising to heed the call and keep metal alive in the hearts of the people.

I’m not speaking of the mainstream extravaganza that is currently taking place in the United States either, but of the ever increasing underground of metal mercenaries that have infected the industry like an incurable plague. Artists such as Iced Earth, Seven Witches, Jag Panzer, Arch Enemy, and Blind Guardian are just a few examples of the vast army from which these soldiers are originating. Many of them have been with us for the long haul, still awaiting their just rewards, while countless others are only beginning their quest.

At the forefront of the crusade is Sweden’s Tad Morose, a very underrated band to say the least. Originally formed in 1993 the band has sustained a considerable number of member changes before finally solidifying themselves with a permanent line-up. The band’s latest studio effort, Matters of the Dark, marks their seventh full-length album to date and is as powerful and pretentious as a hurricane.

Combining stylistic riffs with an even amount of crunch and some seriously melodic vocal work, Tad Morose give way to the impending backlash of angered hysteria that is so prevalent in today’s mainstream metal circus. The over-the-top angst of the band is led with the outstanding abilities of vocalist Urban Breed, who can best be described as Lou Reed (Foreigner) on steroids meets Sebastian Bach of Skid Row. Supported by the invincible guitar slaying of Christer "Krunt" Andersson who also founded the band, Tad Morose provide an exceptionally tight outfit in all facets of their domain.

Choice cuts for this CD include “Sword of Retribution”, “I Know Your Name”, “In the Shadows”, and the title track “Matters of the Dark”. All that’s left now is to see Tad Morose deliver their magical entity in a live setting, preferably here in the U.S. God knows we need some decent music to combat the sickness that’s mercilessly asphyxiating the true metal forum. Let’s hope Tad Morose comes with a cure, or at least a more powerful virus!

- Priest