It was a mere 18 months ago that Swedish Metal band Metalite, having strengthened their line up with vocalist Erica Ohlsson, released “Biomechanicals”, an album that I have to admit took me a little by surprise. I’m generally not really a fan of modern, electronic-infused Melodic Metal, but Metalite kind of got under my skin in a way that few other bands of a similar style manage. The choruses and vocal hooks are generally the main goal of their songs, but equally on “Biomechanicals” there were many more quirky elements to the tracks which meant there was plenty of interest on every level – the fabulously groovy ‘Apocalypse’ being the prime example. So, with the line-up remaining stable, I was looking forward to more of the same.
Somewhere between the modern powerful aggression of Amaranthe and the catchy symphonic melodica of Nemesea, Metalite do indeed continue lyrically and musically where their previous album left off. The electronics and sound-bites are all still utilized to enhance the songs whilst the heavy guitars and driving drums power the songs behind memorable and catchy vocal lines. Choruses are once again in abundance and just around every corner, and the band unapologetically hook you in at every opportunity, with bright arrangements and pop/trance style sensibilities.
Metalite have no intention of breaking new musical ground, and why should they? They’ve found a formula and it works for both them and their growing multitude of fans. This is possibly a slightly less dark, more optimistic sounding album than its predecessor which is quite refreshing in current times and OK, maybe tracks like ‘Beyond The Horizon’ and ‘Alone’ might nudge a little too near bubble-gum pop or Eurovision for some (yes, myself included), whilst others like ‘The Vampire song’ and ‘Synchronized’ may press a little too firmly on the side of obvious commercial accessibility, but it all adds to the variation on the album. Besides there’s still more than enough to enjoy about “A Virtual World”, an album that doesn’t take itself too seriously or pretend to be something it’s not, happy to just entertain and uplift in equal measures.
(7.5/10 Andy Barker)
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