Maximum Metal Rating Legend

DETONATION - Portals To Uphobia - Osmose Productions 2005

Track Listing 1.Into Sulphur I Descend 2.Portals To Uphobia 3.Structural Deceit 4.Chaos Banished 5.End Of Sight, End Of Tears 6.Lost Uphoria Part III (Instrumental) 7.The Loss Of Motion Control 8.Solitude Reflected 9.Beyond The Margin 10.The Source To Delve

The Swedish melodic death metal scene has become oversaturated and stale for awhile now. Unfortunately, Detonation is probably one of those bands that are overlooked because of this. Standing out as a promising young band from Holland with the well received debut 'An Epic Defiance' Detonation was ready to make an impact. Now after 3 years of ups and downs for the band what significance would they have and could they surpass the accomplishments they made with their debut?

Not only does 'Portals To Uphobia' surpass the debut but it takes monumental strides to say perfection. Instead of wasting time with trends and becoming popular, they must have spent time on what really matters, the constant improvement and development of their own sound. The contrast between albums shows you how hard they have been working, most bands don't show this much improvement until the 3rd or 4th album, if ever.

Right off the bat 'Into Sulphur I Descend' unleashes a furious drum and vocal assault that grabs your attention and then bam the smoothest transition to melodic guitar and drums. Followed by a build up of aggressive riffs and the rage filled vocals of Koen that grabbed you to begin with. That is just this first song, the title track and 'Structural Deceit' push the intensity level off the scale. 'Lost Uphoria Pt III' is the only instrumental track here and not only is it good but the use of Spanish guitar is incredible. With the tension lightened for a moment, 'The Loss Of Motion Control' kicks it right back into high gear for the remainder of the album. Including album highlights 'Solitude Reflected' and 'The Source To Delve'. The fluid guitar skills of Koen and Mike mesh so well with the talents of drummer Thomas and bassist Otto to create some of the most intense and passionate songs I've heard.

Detonation seems to be built from an old school vibe, not to say copying but influenced by the likes of Paradise Lost, Dark Tranquillity and a hint of Opeth. Mix that with the complex song structures, hooks, melodies and the sheer talent of the band displayed here sets a stage tough for anyone to beat. 'Portals To Uphobia' is certainly an offering that will bring focus back to the melodic death metal scene and is one of the best albums offered in 2005. Now the question is can they top this?


Website: www.detonation.nl

--1evil1 1.20.06