Solid representation of quality melodic death metal
Swedish inspired melodic death metal is fairly commonplace within the metal scene these days, and it’s no longer a style that’s restricted to bands exclusively from Sweden either, as a whole host of acts from all corners of the globe seem to be trying their hand at the genre more and more as time goes on. One such act is German based Fragments Of Unbecoming, who over the last five years have established themselves as one of the scene’s strongest newcomers following the release of their debut E.P. Bloodred Tales - Chapter I - The Crimson Season in 2002 and their follow up full length effort Skywards - Chapter II - A Sylphe’s Ascension in 2004. In the last two years, the quartet (Comprising of guitarist/vocalist Stefan Weimar, guitarist Sascha Ehrich, bassist Wolfram Schellenberg and drummer Ingo Maier) has expanded into a quintet, with vocalist Sam Anetzberger (Who is also currently a member of death metal act Legacy) taking over the role formerly held by Weimar.
Those fearing a major change in sound from the group with the addition of Anetzberger need not worry, as Fragments Of Unbecoming’s third and latest effort Sterling Black Icon – Chapter III – Black But Shining essentially picks up from where they last left off, with only a slightly better production value enhancing on what was originally a strong song writing formula in the first place. The title track Sterling Black Icon (Preceded by the short instrumental piece Carmine Preface (Entrance)) is full of the band’s familiar traits such of huge melodic guitars and pounding double kick drum work, but it’s Anetzberger’s vocal presence that really takes the lead role, with his guttural grows easily fitting within the context of the music offered from the band.
The fast paced Weave Their Barren Path allows Anetzberger to trade lines with Weimar to great effect, while the lengthy Dear Floating Water is perhaps the biggest departure for the band, with a much slower, almost doom like feel felt throughout it’s length. The technically challenging Breathe In The Black To See is the strongest effort on the German’s latest album (Although it does tend to lag a bit due to its excessive running time), with A Faint Illumination and the raw sounding (And rather oddly titled) Scythe Of Scarecrow following up close behind.
Although there isn’t much in the way of progression or true originality contained within the albums dozen tracks, Fragments Of Unbecoming more than make up the balance with songs that steer clear of the direction most within the melodic death metal scene (For example In Flames and Arch Enemy) are heading these days, and offer up melodic death metal the way it originally sounded.
(Metal Blade Records/Stomp Records Distribution)
