Not Like Them

Personnel: Patrik Wiren (vocals, guitar); Örjan Örnkloo (guitar, programming); Olle Dahlstedt (drums).
Audio Mixers: Örjan Örnkloo; Patrik Wiren; Misery Loves Co.; Thomas Hedquist.
Recording information: Helhole Studio; Hellhole Studio, Uppsala, Sweden; Hellhole Studios, Uppsala, Sweden; MNW Studio, Vaxholm; MNW Studios, Vaxholm; Quest Studio, Uppsala, Sweden; Uppsala Studio; Uppsala, Sweden; Vaxholm Quest Studio.
Illustrator: Antz White.
For their sophomore effort, Misery Loves Co. have backed off the volume a bit, though retaining the aggression of last album's classic "My Mind Still Speaks." While that sonic compromise may redistribute the band into a more overcrowded metal niche, the change greatly expands their dynamic range and songwriting potential. With the diminished volume, the guitars now sound more like Prong than Fear Factory, but they open up ambient space for production details which add a whole new dimension to the band's sound. Fans of underground heavy metal radio will probably be familiar with opening cut "It's All Yours," but that song's moody infectiousness is equaled by "Prove Me Wrong" and "Deny Everything," among others. In short, Not Like Them is simply a better and more consistent album than the self-titled debut, sacrificing very little of that record's aggression to achieve a new creative potential. Repeat listenings are a must. ~ Jeremy Ulrey