Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Fear of Domination - Metanoia (2018)
Fear of Domination's 5th album Metanoia marked another different era for the band. Anyone with prominent knowledge of this band would know that keyboardist Niina Telén has sung occasional background vocals in their first two albums. Then she was replaced by Lasse Raelahti while Helena Haaparanta performed guest vocals in their next two albums and was a live member. And now enter Sara Strömmer! With her strong powerful voice, the band decided to add her to the full-time lineup.
As for the music itself, this is still the same industrial-ish melodeath as before. And I don't mind because I dig this kind of music. So what we have in Metanoia is another solid offering, albeit with a new kick-A co-lead vocalist.
Starting track "Dance with the Devil" starts off similarly to the previous album Atlas, as it's not the strongest way to begin. Nonetheless, we're introduced to Sara's shouts that would make you stick around for the rest of the album. Next track "Obsession" greatly pushes the music and vocals forward, with both vocalists having their time to shine. I enjoy the clean and harsh vocals as well as the otherworldly soloing. A true highlight! "Face of Pain" comes up next, and it follows up the previous track very well. The energy is kept up in this aggressive highlight. From the intro onwards, a layered melody appears in different forms to implant itself into your mind. Riffs, electronics, and beats flow with the vocals to make such a coherent standout. "Sick and Beautiful" has more that powerful energy.
This metal party is put on hold in "Shame". Its slow melancholy shows a new side of Fear of Domination listeners didn't hear before. "Lie" takes us back to the band's usual sound. It's enjoyable but doesn't stand out as much as the rest of the album. It's not a filler track, though it is close. I originally didn't think "We Dominate" like I wasn't sure if listening to this more would be suitable for me. However, when I gave this another spin for the sake of this review, I actually like it a lot more! The energy that somehow sailed over my mind in my first listen can really get the live crowd. And the motivational lyrics fit well for when I successfully convinced myself to give it a second chance. Perfect!
"The Last Call" follows as another strong standout. The great vocals and catchy chorus will be embedded in your mind. "Mindshifter" also has a catchy chorus and cool keys. Smooth melodies are in great contrast with the heavy riffing. I'm not sure about that ending though. The finale "Ruin" is the absolute best highlight here! It's one of the most experimental tracks by the band, starting off doomy before exploding into a ballad when some Apocalyptica-like cellos and jazzy magic. So different yet a perfect way out!
Metanoia continues the killer talents of Fear of Domination. Almost every track is a spectacular one suitable for both a metal concert and a dance-club. So put this record on and get ready to both dance and rock!
Favorites: "Obsession", "Face of Pain", "We Dominate", "The Last Call", "Ruin"