Zonaria - Infamy and the Breed(2007)

For this one we scope Umea, a town in Sweden, in the eastern side, far from Stockholm, and even further than Göteborg. But I am sure that the sound isn't. As the creator of the genre, Sweden has the right to be proud of every Melodic Death Metal band that spawns every now and then. In Zonaria's case, Sweden has set its future bright. Oldest member being born in 1987, same age as myself here, the band already sounds like their fathers of the genre. Quite an accomplishment for the debut album.

The album starts with "Infamy" a mood-setting piece, with a small riff and a greeting. We face quite the riffs here, with melodies of course, and high tempo drum beats, with accompanied by Simon Berglund, one of the best vocalists I've listened. I hope his fate does not resemble that of Anders Friden, who now does little or no screams and growls at all. While we get familiar with the album, it hits us with its first single, "The Armageddon Anthem" who also has a video here. Other great songs follow this one, especially "Rendered In Vain" and "Image of Myself". The lyrics of course reflect death, and one's self with of course some elements of chaos and destruction. Quite the death metal lyrics as you can imagine. Guitar riffs are ever as delightful, as seen in "The Black Omen". The album finishes with "Everything is Wasteland" another great song, which in fact makes a great ending for the album. Although I have listed pretty much a lot of positive comments here, I must say that the band has created a sound of its own, which is a great plus in originality. Of all these swarming bands in Sweden, most of them just try to be another In Flames, Dark Tranquility or Hypocrisy, but Zonaria really tried to just be Zonaria.

It may have some or little flaws, not that I can see at the moment but I would not hesitate to say that "Infamy and the Breed" is one of the best debut albums I've listened, in fact I can only compare Nebularium of Disarmonia Mundi with it.

Song List

1- Infamy

2- The Last Endeavor

3- Pandemic Assault

4- The Armageddon Anthem

5- Rendered In Vain

6- Image of Myself

7- Evolution Overdose

8- Attending Annihilation

9- Descend Into Chaos

10- Ravage the Breed

11- The Black Omen

12- Everything is Wasteland