Stortregn is a blackened melodic death metal band formed in Switzerland in 2005. Over the years, they have toured Cuba, Eastern Europe, and France, played Wacken Switzerland, and released two albums and an EP. I can't say exactly what it was that initially drew me to want to check out their latest outing, Singularity. Maybe it was that somewhat nostalgic black metal-looking cover art. In any case, "Acosmic Ascendent" certainly sealed the deal.

Anyone talking about this band will likely send you straight to that track because, frankly, the guitars are just awesome. Without warning the tapping explodes into your earholes back by some truly head-bangable drums and and rhythm guitar. Stortregn expertly fuse the blackened tremolos and minor key melodies of classic Swedish bands like Dissection with the melodeath intensity of At the Gates. Some of the riffs bordered on metalcore from the more experienced hands of Unearth or As I Lay Dying, but the nature of the vocals keeps the band well grounded in the more extreme genres.

No clean singing here. These death growls and black shrieks are straight out of a Black Dahlia Murder album. My other favorite track, "Crimson Depths," even sounds like it could have been on Abysmal. The combination of neoclassical structures with chugging death metal riffs, along with the sheer hookiness of it all, make this a sure crowd-pleaser at future shows. Opener "Enlighten Salvation" is an easy pick as well with its moderate level of Windir influence hitting head on. Singularity really is just bursting with catchy guitars and energy.

However, I do find the album to also be a bit inconsistent. The second half certainly lacks the punch of the first. All of my favorite moments fall into the latter, and it just feels like something went missing after that. None of the songs are bad by a long shot. In fact, the compositions themselves seem fine. It's more some unnamed quality that for whatever reasion is creating less of an impact than before. Maybe the guys were tired that day in the studio? I have no idea.

But I don't want to focus your attention on this too much. The summary here is that Stortregn is a band you should know. And considering that they are a mere drop in the water when it comes to the number of blackened death and melodeath bands out there, I think that says a lot. They all play together like a well-oiled machine, and the end result no doubt will lead to some great live performances. I am confident that any misgivings I have about this album disapear completely on stage. That said, come to Portland, Stortregn. I'll be there.