Classic Eurometal lead guitar lines, dual vocals, a full industrial rhythm attack ... why not throw as many metal branches into the fire as possible? Sure, Hämärä (despite the umlauts, the band hails from Colorado) classifies itself as symphonic metal, but that doesn't really describe the eclectic--occasionally verging on incoherent--sound.

Hämärä Ivory Tower (self-released)

Each band member pulls the sound in a different direction, though it is clear that every one seems to agree that Dan Swano is a god. They're right about that, for sure.

These songs are absurdly catchy, in spite of the extreme elements. The melodies soar, the growls punctuate and that ultra-right rhythm section pulverizes anything in its path. Just as it should.

This is the band's first album in seven years, and it sounds like the boys have been paying attention to recent developments. I've just finished wandering through my 30 years of archives, and Hämärä hits almost all of the high spots. I'm not sure the wide variety of sounds will work for everyone, but I'm impressed by how well this holds together. Lovely, blistering and frightening. Totally solid.

Jon Worley