Insanity,
Darkane's follow-up to
Rusted Angel, shares much in common with its predecessor despite
Darkane's lineup shift.
Daniel Bergstrand was once again given control of the recording console, giving
Insanity the producer's trademark concussive sound.
Peter Wildoer's instrumental abuse drives the music thanks to
Bergstrand's massive drum sound and punchy mixes. And as with
Lawrence Mackrory before, new vocalist Andreas Sydow has only a marginal impact. Sydow's more controlled bellowing might strike some as an improvement, but it's the thrash-influenced Swedish death riffing that makes
Darkane interesting. There are many moments of near-virtuoso accomplishment and athleticism here.
Darkane shreds its way through one riff after the next with room here and there for Sydow's shouting and the occasional melodic guitar blast. Musicians and listeners impressed with pure chops should enjoy
Insanity, while casual listeners may not enjoy the abuse. ~ Vincent Jeffries