“The Absence” came into being thanks to the dogged persistence of Patrick Pintavalle (guitar) and Jamie Stewart (vocals). In 2001 they grew tired of the stagnancy of their previous efforts with various bands and the demise of the once powerful Tampa Bay metal scene. They originally started the band so they could exercise their love for European styled metal, especially Scandinavian. After some false starts and line-up changes the band finally found themselves with the right array of talent and also the right attitude. Since then the band haven’t looked back. They have played to packed houses alongside bands such as Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, Grave, Yngwie Malmsteen, George Lynch and Nile.

After releasing an EP the band signed to Metal Blade records and then gave us their debut album entitled “From Your Grave”. This album went on to be seen as a master class in Swedish styled melodic death metal.

The band reached out to many listeners when they toured tirelessly through 2005 and 2006, which brings us to 2007 and their new album “Riders Of The Plague”. Sonically the album sounds superb thanks to production from Jonas Kellgren (Scar Symmetry). All the musical arrangements are tight and even though the music is dense every instrument cuts through the mix.

There are many stand out moments, which really had this reviewer smiling broadly. The opening track is a full on metal onslaught full of gargantuan riffing and melodic guitar playing with Stewart’s devilish vocals laying waste to all who get in his path.

“Dead And Gone” has a guitar solo which will make any “shred head” jump up and down in demented glee and just so drummers feel part of the party you have “The Murder” which features insane thrash style drumming bringing back fond memories of the genres “heyday”.

“Echos” is one of the most melodic tracks on the album I couldn’t help wondering what the song would have sounded like with straight vocals. I even started to imagine Rob Halford doing his stuff over this number. Before anyone accuses me of blasphemy I should say that I am trying to make a compliment here. "Echoes” has the potential to appeal to traditional metallers as well as thrash death metal warriors.

“World Divides” is a sonic wonder and contains everything you could want from “The Absence”. The guitars are on fire the drums are relentless and the vocals sometimes start from the pits of hell before rising to the surface. Some of the guitar parts brought to mind the amazing George Lynch in his prime. Musically this track is a death metal rush of the finest order.

“Prosperity” is an instrumental which is melodic yet dark. No one over plays and everything fits together perfectly. Once again the guitars brought to mind another great guitar player. Reb Beach. It’s thanks to the tone and the wang bar inflections and it’s all very cool.

“Awakening” is a pounding and unstoppable rout. One could imagine this is the stuff an orc would listen to on his mp3 player before going into battle against all that is good before slaying everything in sight.

“Merciless” opens with wonderfully melodic lead playing before taking the listener on a fiendishly wild ride. This song positively gallops and could well be viewed as the evil twin of “Awakening”.

One of the big surprises on this album is a cover, which comes in the shape of “Into The Pit” by Testament. The energy of the original is retained but intensified thanks to some truly awesome thrash lead guitar playing. It’s a fantastic version and a worthy tribute to a band that did so much for furthering the thrash genre.

“The Victorious Dead” is a dark and doom laden track which is driven along by the engine room drumming of Jeramie Kling. The songs lyrics are evil personified after Stewart gives it his most twisted and bitter treatment.

The album closes with “Outro” an all-instrumental track, which displays the incredible talents of Joseph (guitar) and Pintavalle (guitar). It’s a number, which lovers of shredding in the manner of Yngwie or Lynch will really dig. As the song fades out leave the CD running in your player, as there is a nice little surprise at the end of the track. I’m not going to tell you what it is but believe me when I say you’ll prick your ears up.

One has to say “Riders Of the Plague” is a great addition to any fan of death metal and it’s an album which I think will really stand the test of time, and maybe inspire new fans to this misunderstood genre. The musical talent on display puts other guitar hero led bands in the shade (or should that be eternal night?) and as a listening experience this album is just one rush after another.