Arise began as a band playing covers of Sepultura, Machinehead and Panthera. I’m pleased to report that they have moved quite a way from their musical roots. Their second full-length “Kings of the Cloned Generation” is melodic death/thrash metal reminiscent of fellow Swedes At the Gates and The Crown. In my mind it is an improvement upon Arise’s debut, and has a much tighter sound as well as a clearer production, with aggressive riffs and catchy underlying melodies combined with thrashy drumming and not too over-the-top growling vocals. The growling isn’t as interesting as that of At the Gates, nor are the melodies as beautiful, but opening track “Strangled Love” and “Stains of Blood” come close.

Of course, this is all a bit formulaic when trying to create a death metal record, and as such Arise fail to impress me too much with this offering. “Kings of the Cloned Generation” lacks musical innovation, and they are ironically part of what has become a “cloned” second generation of Swedish death metal. Still, these boys are undoubtedly the “Kings” of what they do, being both hard-working and technically sound musicians. It’s just a bit boring for the rest of us to listen to.

Year Released: 2003
Label: Spinefarm Records
Related Link: Arise Official Website
Date Reviewed: 2004-01-14
Author: Andreas