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Lava Engine: In Limbo (EP)
TLava Engine In Limbo (EP) album new music review

Lava Engine: In Limbo (EP)

Progressive Rock/Metal
3.5/5.0

Liljegren Records
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by Craig Hartranft,  02.21.2011

I'm not sure Sweden's Lava Engine is as clever as they think they are or as the reviewers say they are. With their second EP In Limbo, Lava Engine (and their PR materials) suggest an affiliation with a profound company of artists including Porcupine Tree, Muse, Dream Theater, Opeth, Riverside, and Paradise Lost. (Oh yeah, there's some suggestion of emo here; I hate emo.) I'm not sure I'm willing to extend them that kinship.

Certainly, musicianship is not an issue here: this band is quite good. Yet, excepting the attractive and accessible Common Ground and the closing portions of Windows Closed, In Limbo is a dark and heavy piece of, sometimes, remarkable but predictable modern rock.

The funny thing is this: I liked it. While not necessarily the most inventive thing, I was struck by the layers of Muse-like atmosphere and Ronnie Jaldemark's interesting guitar work. Lava Engine's In Limbo is worthy of your attention and, possibly, a purchased download. Between their superb musicianship and modern context, I believe Lava Engine has a promising future.






In Short

Lava Engine's In Limbo is worthy of your attention and, possibly, a purchased download. Between their superb musicianship and modern context, I believe Lava Engine has a promising future.

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