Zonaria play a classic sounding melodic death metal, merging
catchy melodies and harsh vocals as many others have done before them. On
"The Cancer Empire" the band displays their ability to do so in a
very nice offering, albeit one that we've seen time and time again. Much like
any genre, bands that compile music of a particular sound, but fail to leave
their own distinction sound on the listeners, tend to get slapped with a clone
or poor man’s version of a particular band. Unfortunately, this is the case with
this "The Cancer Empire". First and foremost, the music here is
played very well. There are plenty of excellent riffs, pounding drums and
decent vocals, so their ability is not the issue. The issue here is that this
sounds like Hypocrisy, which normally would be a good thing, if this was a
Hypocrisy album. But, this is a Zonaria album and as such, fails to leave the
listener with that notion. Comparisons aside, I may have been disappointed that
the band failed to leave their own brand on my brain, but overall, I was not
disappointed with the music. There were a number of playlist worthy songs on
"The Cancer Empire", songs that sound similar to other bands, but are
still enjoyable nonetheless. The majority of points taken off of this album
come in the form of originality, not skill or the final product of sound. Fans
of melodic death should give this a listen and once they get past the obvious
connections to prior swedes, I think you'll enjoy a number of songs.
Also for NES nerds, am I not wrong for thinking the opening
of the song “Crowning King Cancer” could have been part of the Heavy Barrel
soundtrack. Something about it got me thinking about that game.
Highlights: “Slaughter is my Passion” “Crowning King Cancer”
“Contra Mundum”
Rating: 3
Rating: 3
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