Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Prime Creation actually distributed this self-titled debut back in May of 2016 through Sweden's Rambo Music and co-released with Silent Wall Productions. In January, 2017 the band signed with Denmark's hot-shot newish label Mighty Music to re-release the album in April, 2017. This Swedish five-piece culminated with Kim and Robin Arnell (both ex-Morifade) teaming with former Morifade band mates Henrik Weimedal and Matthias Kamijo. On vocals is Esa Englund from Hellshaker and $ilverdollar.

Musically, this is a groove-laden foray into heavier metal than the band members' prior experiences. Its chunky rhythms are laced with keyboards that outline a progressive-power metal sort of listening experience. Esa Englund's vocals are spot-on and compares to Edguy's Tobias on higher notes and I can hear some S.L. Coe (ex-Angel Dust, ex-Scanner) in the mid-range. It's a really good sound and even dips into more aggressive notes (2:15 on "Born in Fear"). It's a long way to the top...but not for Englund.

"In the Red" has a mid-paced delivery that is highlighted by double-bass and some "mechanical" factory precision riffs. The arrangement works to boost the melodic chorus section at the 1:20 mark. "Scream" is a really nice addition on the back-end but damned if doesn't borrow In Flames with that riff (I think it's "Sounds of a Playground Fading"). The closer, "Crown of Creation" has that melodic Gothenburg sound mixed with something more akin to Dickinson's solo album. I hate to cite other artists but that's the best comparison for this sort of modern landscape.

Overall, really cool band with a modern expression, all factory polished to withstand the elements. It's only a debut, it's already a year old and I'm really curious to hear what the guys are working on now. This could be a band to watch in 2018 when a sophomore album hits and the tour dates start to string together. The prime-time could be around the corner for Prime Creation.