LAIKA – Somnia
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 30-09-2014
Active since 2009, the Winnipeg, Canadian sextet Laika are on their second full length "Somnia" – a 9 track record that to my ears is in the progressive/ melodic death metal vein. Propelling the bass abilities forward for Mike Mason gives songs such as "Escalation of Terror" and "The Immortal" a little bit of an advanced Iron Maiden meets older Dark Tranquillity/ In Flames feel. Some of the lead breaks can be suspect in terms of a flurry of notes that give off more energy than purpose, but the structures in general possess all the requisite harmonies, riffs, and solid tempos to light up any melodic death metal maven’s world.
Named after a Soviet dog, Laika appear to have their priorities in place, and I think "Somnia" has a decent chance of establishing a foothold beyond their Canadian community.
www.facebook.com/LaikaOfficial