This one took me a while to nail down. I'm talking about multiple, multiple listens, and I enjoyed every minute of it. GREEN CARNATION are a Norwegian band, and judging from the sparkling mix and clever arrangements on this record, they've been together for quite some time (actually on and off since the early 1990s). Guitarist Tchort (Terje Vik Schei) in particular is no spring chicken, having contributed rumblings to Norwegian heavyweights like EMPEROR, SATYRICON, and CARPATHIAN FOREST.

Despite such imminent black metal ties, the music on this disc has little in common with such Scandinavian heavies. Rather, "The Quiet Offspring" reveals itself as a brilliant yet atypical commercial metal record, graceful and sensitive while driving and powerful. It's the type of record that could actually "win you back" (albeit temporarily) to the FM dial, if it had the opportunity to present itself there. The music is densely-layered yet easily perceived, and pulsates with a sort of natural liveliness that is exceedingly rare, especially with this type of rock.

Style-wise, it hits like an interesting combination of radio heavyweights, especially 90s METALLICA and even pop rock like COLLECTIVE SOUL, enclosed in an envelope of dreamy Euro-key surrealism like DECORYAH. Admittedly, this may sound like a strange combination, but the poetic and intricate patterns of the record easily boost interest upon repeat listens. The opening title track is an absolutely smashing nugget of modern metal, sporting brawny riffs and addictive choruses, and would be an excellent way to start a mix cd of quality modern rock for skeptical acquaintances. "Pile of Doubt" charges along with a battering guitar rhythm and dashes of alluring ice-droplet piano keys. Vocalist Kjetil Nordhus exclaims " I am gathered, strong unstoppable..." and I couldn't agree more. I'd be curious to check out the band's back-catalog to see if more of a black metal influence resides there . For now, "The Quiet Offspring" is what it is -- a captivating and inspiring pop metal record. Highly recommended and I'm putting it on again.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: www.greencarnation.no

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