AMARAN - Pristine In Bondage - Listenable Records - 2004

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If already their debut “A World Depraved” had a quite positive impact on the metal scene, I’m sure that “Pristine In Bondage” will certainly give the recognition that they were aiming for! What you will find in “Pristine In Bondage” is somehow unique without been utterly original, still what sets this apart from bands that have also originality problems is that the band have really captured their inner essence with this second opus! There is no doubt that Johanna DePierre’s vocals is what gives Amaran’s own trademark (they are sweat yet extremelly aggressive), but lets not diminish the band only to her. Instrumentally Amaran are quite tight with a superb guitar work from both Kari Kainulainen and Ronnie Backlund, some great pounding bass lines by Ronnie Bergerstahl and a powerful drum work by the (now ex-)drummer Robin Bergh. Can you imagine a combination of Arch Enemy, Lacuna Coil and the freshness of Evanescence? If you are a fan of melodic Thrashy music “Pristine In Bondage” will spin many times on your stereo! Congratulations!

Nuno Santos

TRACKLIST:
01. Atropine
02. Revolution Without Arms
03. Coming Home
04. Inflict
05. Without Stains
06. Katharsis
07. 24 Pills
08. Wraith
09. Crow Me
10. Primal Nature