Poisonblack

Lust Stained Despair (Century Media)
by Martin Popoff

Sentenced’s Ville Laihiala has certainly made good in providing a viable alternative to the much beloved suicide rockers, and now with Sentenced mortally injured, Poisonblack shine even more intensely like wet cur fur. Less the mesmeriffic churn of the focal band, Poisonblack isn’t afraid to get both Gothic and proggy, somewhat akin to the passions housed within Katatonia and classic, mid-years Amorphis. Ville’s pained roar is there, and when the band rock out – such as on opener “Nothing Else Remains,” “Never Enough” or the hugely moving “Rush” – Sentenced is both gloriously recalled and then just as quickly, forgotten, ash giving rise to this flaming phoenix. For some reason, Ville’s voice brings this band a classy, proud vibe that reminds me of both Amon Amarth and Korpiklaani, even Paradise Lost when they were about to be the new Metallica, back in the golden age of moors-mad Goth. They’re all bands on a mission, and Poisonblack’s got one too, to be both weighty and universal, their doom accessible, their melodies on their sleeves, their speeds thudding and weighed down by the obligation of artists making art. One complaint: A few too many of these songs flee the stunning opening riffing come verse time for one of those uncluttered singing bullpens. I mean, I’d dig this more if the whole thing was bound in guitar strings: Ville’s voice and bold personality would have no problem competing.
(www.centurymedia.com)