ADMIRE THE GRIM
Resist
Inverse Records
For some reason, melodic death metal never gets old to me. There’s always something fresh about the energy, the chaotic riffs, and the catchy melodies. That being said, ADMIRE THE GRIM just put out an absolute banger that somehow smashes the conventions of melodeath and creates something completely new while still remaining faithful to the die-hard principles of the subgenre.
THE BAND
Formed in Lappeenranta, Finland in 2021, ADMIRE THE GRIM is relatively new to the massive Finnish metal scene. Featuring the stylings of dual guitarists Jani Loikkanen and Sirja Ojaniemi, the heavy bass of Petri Hänninen, human metronome Tommi Vante on drums and the incomparable Katri Snellman on vocals. “Resist” is the band’s first full-length studio album but provides the listener with a polished product that sounds like it was recorded by a much more seasoned artist.
THE ALBUM
“Resist” kicks us immediately into full-gear with “Crescent Moon”, a track that gives the listener a very classic melodic feel with beer-hall chanting choruses. When I first put this album on, I was immediately transported back to being ten years old and hearing Children Of Bodom for the first time.
Throughout the entire album you hear these familiar melodic lines that harken back to neoclassical metal. The dueling guitar work of Jani Loikkanen and Sirja Ojaniemi consistently give this epic feeling that would feel just as home in a fantasy film as they would on a melodeath album.
The entire album flows impeccably well with great tracks like “Hypocrite”, “Acoustic Melodies From The Past And Present”, and “Choke On Your Words”, but my standout track would have to be “No Limits”. The track is non-stop energy from start to finish with this addictive chanting section that makes me feel like I’m in the recording studio with them.
THE VERDICT
“Resist” is veracious, face-melting, and highly technical, but more than anything, it is pure fun. The number of times I smiled while listening to this is insane and I really hope I get the chance to mosh to it live someday. “Resist” is out on Inverse Records on January 31. Pick up a copy and have some good old fashioned death metal fun!
Matthew McCune