Amaranthe is one of the few newer gothic metal bands that have actually been able to break through to the premier league. In case you’re a bit skeptical about that remark, then clearly you didn’t see these Swedes at last summer’s GMM edition.

In a genre where the top has been consistently and undisputedly occupied by the likes of Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, Nightwish and Epica, there’s been very little room for newcomers to achieve much beyond some support slot on a second rate tour. Most of the time this is largely due to their inaptitude to come up with anything that is not entirely derivative of the aforementioned acts.  Amaranthe quickly realized this and added a touch of electronics to their sound. ‘Maximalism’ goes even further into uncharted territories and straight into pop music. Not every fan might want to admit it, but there is more of Rihanna, Celine Dion and Taylor Swift in these catchy tunes than anything else.  "Limitless", for instance, is ripe for the Eurosong contest while "Endlessly" is the kind of power ballad that sinks ocean liners. In case you're still looking for  an opening dance for your wedding, look no further.Each of the songs has a high airplay value and really wouldn’t be out of place on VH1 which goes a long way to explain their recent success.

Tracklist:

1.      Maximize

2.      Boomerang

3.     That Song

4.     21

5.    On the Rocks

6.      Limitless

7.  Fury

8.   Faster

9.     Break down & Cry

10.  Supersonic

11. Fireball

12.  Endlessly

Label: Spinefarm

www.facebook.com/AmarantheBand

8.5/10

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