Decrowned – Persona Non Grata
Decrowned – Persona Non Grata
Rockshot Records
Release Date: 23/02/24
Running Time: 45:05
Review by Oli Gonzalez
7.5/10
Finland. A breeding ground for some of the most talented metal acts and musicians the world over. Following in their proud footsteps are Decrowned, a melodic heavy metal act formed in 2017. Having appeared on festivals with the likes of Scar Symmetry and Insomnium, while receiving critical acclaim and media recognition for their debut EP “Weight Of The Sky”, it’s safe to say the quartet seem to know what they’re doing. Their debut album “Persona Non Grata” is due to be released in late February 2024, promising to be more varied and venturing into the heavier side of metal that previous releases.
Throughout the album, we see a plethora of genres fused together into a melting pot that cooks up the Decrowned style. There’s an undeniable Symphonic and Power Metal spine forming the basis of the band’s sound. This is evident from Miikka’s soaring clean vocals (though I’ll discuss his vocals in more detail later), as well as some of those scorching lead guitar riffs in ‘Mouth Leaks Black’ and ‘Rainworld’. The clever use of synths in ‘Stone Wing’ and the album’s title track ‘Persona Non Grata’ add a much welcome dimension and atmosphere, contributing to this Symphonic Power Metal edge. Whether it’s the more primitive thrash inspired grooves in ‘Awaken’ reminiscent of an earlier ‘Davidian-era’ Machine Head, or the neck snapping modern -core style breakdowns subtly creeping into ‘The Bird And Tree’, Decrowned have certainly pushed boundaries here. A bit of a risk perhaps to go down a heavier route and straying from that melodic spine, but a worthwhile one as it demonstrates a willingness to expand.
If I had to compare the band’s sound to any, try to imagine Dragonland combined with the likes of Mutiny Within and Scar Symmetry. A solid Symphonic style of metal based more towards the slower, groovier end, combined with a sprinkling of Industrial elements in the production. The use of synths and blazing lead guitars provide a melodic centrepiece, with the occasional splattering of heavier elements.
Vocally, I’m polarised. Some of the cleaner tones are excellent, especially during the chorus for ‘Rainworld’. Soaring, dramatic, almost operatic; this provides that good old fashioned Power Metal flavour. During the mid stages of ‘Mind Parasite’, some much harsher growls deployed by Miikka would make the most seasoned of Death Metal vocalists purr with admiration! I honestly don’t know why he doesn’t use this more often. For other parts of the album, he utilises a form of mid-range half growl half sung, perhaps best illustrated in the earlier stages of ‘Mouth Leaks Black’. This just doesn’t work for me, especially over the top of a Symphonic Power Metal background, and this vocal style would be better suited to a Thrash Metal band. Which is kind of disappointing, because he clearly shows he is a talented vocalist. Perhaps sticking to his guns and deploying those awesome soaring cleans and a sprinkling of those demonic growls would be better for the band in the future.
Production wise, I think the mix works well and gives the musicians the attention they need in the mix. I do wonder if they need just slightly more polishing and sharpness, just to fully optimise their full potential. Though they may use that Industrial element which I think is a key cog in their sound. Swings and roundabouts I guess.
Overall, “Persona Non Grata” is a valiant and respectable effort for a band that’s still young in the grand scheme of things. I’d say they’re still a band who still haven’t quite found themselves yet and are still tweaking their sound and overall identity. All the ingredients are certainly there and they show true promise. Just a little more refinement to identify their strengths and optimise their sound to leverage them will be of huge benefit to the band.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Folklore pt.1 (intro)
02. Mouth Leaks Black
03. Rainworld
04. Stonewing
05. Mindparasite
06. Scarred
07. Awaken
08. Faceless
09. The Bird and The Tree
10. The Vigorian Man
11. Persona Non Grata
12. Folklore pt.2 (outro)
LINE-UP:
Miikka Hulmi, Vocals and bass
Antti Venäläinen, Drums
Jaakko Kauppinen, Guitar
Simo Puustinen, Guitar
LINKS:
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