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RooM

Phoenix

Written by: MN on 18/08/2013 10:42:23

According to themselves, RooM define their music as modern metal, at least according to the information on their facebook. My first impressions echo that idea. Room have hopped aboard the waves of newer-age sounds, not unlike the way Soilwork have developed their sound into a much more versatile expression, yet still remaining true to the foundations of metal. Hailing from Madrid, RooM released their second record named “Phoenix” which was produced by Alex Cappa of The Metal Factory Studios, a heavyweight in the Spanish metal production scene. This new album, consisting of 9 versatile tracks and an expert production, proves RooM a worthy contender in the new-age melodic death metal scene, which largely is controlled by the northern nations, yet RooM display qualities that echo a more American expression, like that of Machine Head and Lamb of God, especially in their punchy execution of riffs.

The first track “To Leave or not to Die” is an immaculate heavy hitter, thriving on balls to the wall heavy riffing with thunderous drumming, yet the chorus is highly melodic, proving vocalist Juan Dominguez a master of both screams and cleans. An early highlight is “Phoenix” which succeeds on the basis of a contagious melody line in the bridge and chorus. Blast-beats from drummer Guillermo P-V give more texture and a darker tone to the track. “Scapegoat” is a groovy facemelter and “Remove The Scars” is similar to the opening track, displaying melodic finesse not unlike Soilwork.

“Labyrinth” starts off as thrashy as can be, the slow-winded chorus is unfortunately a misstep in my opinion, but provides space for the vocalist to spread his wings, and luckily the song makes for a dramatic finish with some vicious solo work from the guitarists. “Unveil The Strength” is an album interlude with acoustic guitars which really isn’t bad, but seems a little unneccesary and filler-like. RooM do however get back on track with “When All Is Said And Done” that is a track with melodic inclination and a refreshing clean build up towards the end.

Upon listening to the album finisher “Noise” I clearly noticed a difference in their sound, RooM almost sound like something that could have been released recently by Disturbed or Soil, and credits go to Juan Dominguez for remaining versatile throughout the length of the record.

“Phoenix” is a good record, the production is pretty much perfect and the songwriting is strong, yet I cannot define it as fantastic, I do at times feel like the album lacks elements of surprise and I rarely felt completely bemused by their work, yet they have given me enough to make me eager to hear more.

Download: To Leave Not Die, Phoenix, Scapegoat
For The Fans Of: Soilwork, Machine Head, Killswitch Engage
Listen: facebook.com

Release Date 15.05.2013
Self-released