Look, I didn’t come up with the term Modern Swedish Metal. What these Swedes do on their debut album is not new as such. It just sounds different from what you usually get from our Scandinavian brothers although they’re not exactly miles away from Soilwork in the way they approach their metal.

In this sense, Closer is ultimately related to Fear Factory in as much as the staccato rhythm waves are ever present, however mixed with the more melodic side as purported by e.g. Soilwork, Mnemic, to lesser degree In Flames and numerous clone bands.

Is Closer a clone band? No, I don’t think so. They have a sense of songs writing and melody that goes beyond being just clones and hangers on. ‘A Darker Kind of Salvation’ is not only filled with catchy melodies and good-old-fashioned riffs; it has well-structured power in abundance and then add to that a production that leaves room for everyone.

The chorus of the track This Hate is one those that has a tendency to stay in my head for a while. Cool stuff.