ZERO ILLUSIONS – Oblivion
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 15-04-2011
The second album from this Swedish traditional metal band with slight progressive influences, “Oblivion” benefits from a stronger production and mix/mastering job (the latter courtesy of Andy LaRocque). Hard charging riffs and energetic drumming keep tracks like “Alive”, “Son Of The Devil”, and “Enemy Within” at the forefront of the Maiden/Priest meets Dream Theater comparisons. Singer Bjorn Asking possesses one of those personality-laden voices- he may not have the most earth shattering pipes but his voice screams metal through and through.
Adequate for opening act ranks, “Oblivion” gets the job done and yet doesn’t quite have the stellar riffing, songwriting, arrangements or performances to set cash registers or mail order companies ablaze in stocking this.