Hailing from Sweden Incrave are another in a seemingly never ending line of power metal bands coming out of Europe at the moment, although I should point out that in this reviewer's opinion that is a good thing! Dead End is their second album, the first being released under the name Evergrace, but the sextet decided to move away from that name for some unspecified reason and, although I have no idea what Incrave actually means, there is enough about the new CD that makes the band stand out above much of the competition. Not bad really when you consider that they still have an average age of just 22. 

Incrave claim influences such as Dream Evil and Nocturnal Rites and without doubt this is definitely their sort of territory. A six piece band with two guitarists, a keyboard player and a penchant for lush vocal harmonies Incrave have used Per Ryberg who has worked with Morgana Lefay and Bloodbound to mix the album and he has given them the big, uncluttered sound they need. 

Opening track “Shattered” immediately shows they cover all the bases with crunchy riffs, melodic solos, assured lead vocals and those aforementioned harmonies. It’s also a pretty good song and leaves you looking forward to the rest of the album. And it doesn’t disappoint. Whilst you can argue that this genre, as a whole, is formulaic, when it’s done this well it just sounds so GOOD!

The lead guitars sound like Firewind in “The Forgotten” and “Nevermore”, “The Touch Of Death” actually has growling vocals and death metal type sections mixed in with the melodic power metal stylings and works very well. Whether the song requires a heavy dose of riffing and double bass drums or atmospheric vocals and haunting keyboards these musicians can put it all together and this is a very impressive album indeed. I’m still trying to decide if the album highlight is the staccato riff and epic feel of “Unveil The Truth” or the gothy and almost Him-like “Scream In Silence”. If there are songs competing for your attention on an album then that’s a very good sign! 

Hopefully  Dead End will prove to be a big success for Incrave and they don’t get lost among the plethora of other bands in this genre, mind you dressing in suits, as they do on the album cover, will either get them noticed or just confuse people.  However if you like your metal heavy but melodic then you should definitely check these guys out.

Let us know your views on Dead End

Track Listing

Shattered
The Forgotten
A Shadow In The Dark
The Touch Of Death
Unveil The Truth
Shades Of Me
An Empty Soul
Scream In Silence
Nevermore
Dead End

Line Up

Johan Falk - Vocals
Jon Balefalk - Guitars
David Ohlsson - Guitars
Martin Davidsson - Bass
Jonathan Stenberg - Keyboards
Josef Davidson - Drums