The first time I sat down to listen to Soilwork's newest release, "Natural Born Chaos," I had no clue what I was getting myself into.  The Swedish metal band had come highly recommended by a friend who repeatedly told me how the band's unique sound had infected his life.  So it was with great anticipation that I threw in the disc and waited.

Soilwork truly has a distinct flavor to their sound.  Mixing elements of hardcore, death, and electronica, with traditional Nordic metal, they manage to produce what I can only describe as "videogamecore."  The opening track, "Follow the Hollow," sets the tone for all that is to follow. Vocalists Speed and Bjorn Strid combine to produce a beautiful chorus harmony, only to give way to deep growls and high pitched keyboard melodies reminiscent of Castlevania.

"The Bringer" is possibly the best example of a traditional metal song on the album.  Clean-toned guitar melodies lead into Metallica-esque squealing harmonies before the song actually kicks in.  Once it does, the listener is treated to a hooky riff that holds you in your seat long enough for the rest of the band to take your head off.  The very next song, "Black Star Deceiver," continues the trend of intense music and sing-a-long choruses. With guitar and drums pummeling you like Iron Mike, it is pure energy from start to finish, all the while maintaining the bands uncanny ability to make their absurd conglomeration of music catchy and memorable.

The song most representative of what the band is capable of is the second track, "As We Speak."  Beginning with a reverse guitar swell the band immediately straightens up and heads dead north.  The keyboard melody over the intro and chorus brings to mind the music from "Sonic the Hedgehog," while the syncopated guitar riffs, precise and brutal bass drum and gravely vocals make sure you remember you're listening to a metal band.

The album is beautifully capped off with the final track, "Soilwork's Song of the Damned".  This song sounds like it was written to be the last track, with a sense of both urgency and finality to it.  From the synthesized intro to the head-nodding verse riffs and finally the anthemic chorus, it all screams, "thanks for listening, we'll see you next time!"  Although, this is anything but a criticism, as the song is very good, combining all of the elements the band becomes known for:  fast palm-muted guitar riffs, double bass runs, harmonized solos, keyboard melodies, and widely varying vocal styles.

Mention should also be made of lead guitarist Ola Frenning.  The solos on songs like "As We Speak" and "The Bringer" are absolutely amazing, bringing to mind comparisons with another band that loves to harmonize solos, In Flames.

I am completely in love with Soilwork's newest album, and have already begun to search for their older material.  If you want to explore some new Nordic rock & roll without diving into the math-rock insanity of bands like Meshuggah, check out Soilwork's newest Nuclear Blast Records release "Natural Born Chaos."

For more information on Soilwork check out Soilwork.com