Review by Jack on May 22, 2002.

“Vindication” starts out with all guns blazing. More of the same thrashy material that was heard in “Predominance” has arrived in the form of a user-friendlier serve from Susperia this time, no doubt aimed to penetrate the saturated teenage nu-metal mobs of America. Crunchy guitar riffs, crystal clear production and clean vocals are all the rage nowadays and Susperia do not disappoint in that sector.

I have gone through three phases with “Vindication”. When I first heard the sophomore effort from Susperia I was completely indifferent to the album; that is, it did not do a thing for me. My second phase of listening to “Vindication” was one filled with a slightly improved take on things; I was head-banging quite comfortably to ‘Petrified’ and ‘Anguished Scream (for Vengeance)’. I then stopped listening for a few days, switched Susperia back on, and was more apprehensive and indifferent than when I first listened.

My main problem with “Vindication” is that Susperia have tried so hard to move away from being mere carbon copies of the whole Norwegian-black-metal-thingy, that they have forfeited their forte in metal. Sure it’s innovative, sure it makes a change… but if only they could make the music slightly more interesting. The first five tracks on “Vindication” pump me up, but by ‘Completion’ I am reaching for the ‘stop’ button on the remote.

The song writing has ultimately taken a dive down after the first release, not by much, but enough to warrant giving this album a long hard look. If you really dug the material on “Predominance”, then, by all means give “Vindication” a run. I really did enjoy the debut, I was just hoping they would up the ante with “Vindication” and release one for the ages. Oh well…

Bottom Line: There are so many cool things that Susperia could have done with “Vindication”, so many different and alternative paths they could have walked down. Yet, in their own version of wisdom they chose not to. I am upset and I feel let down by this album.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 7.5
Originality: 7
Overall: 6

Rating: 6.5 of 10

Review by Jack on June 17, 2003.

Steel Attack (I can already hear the resounding groans) has toiled away as an entity since 1997, garnering some recognition and prestige through their flaunting power displays. This year, Arise Records sees Steel Attack spring forth into action with "Predator of the Empire."

I thought we might get into the more negative aspects of Steel Attack, so that folks will have a good chance of remembering the more positive aspects that "Predator of the Empire" can offer them. While displaying addictive songs with equally catchy chorus sections, Steel Attack has unfortunately not got the consistency spot on in "Predator of the Empire" and the record does peter out towards the conclusion, leaving you feeling slightly numb and a tad regretful of seeing the album out to the end.

However, while those unfortunate points will weigh on a listener's mind, I do have to praise these guys for putting together one very commendable disc. "Predator of the Empire" is chock full of fist-pumping and spandex-craving guitar licks, accompanied by equally rolling grand choruses from main-man Dick, who really knows how to get 'high' along with the best of them. You will be sure to question when your next girlfriend will come along after bobbing along to "Predator of the Empire."

Memorable. These songs will stick in your mind, like a shit-starved fly sticks to a ten-day-old turd. Such is the infectious quality of them. Sure, the topics are absolute nonsense (arguably, one of the redeeming factors of power metal), but when '...Steal away our souls, steal away our mind, leaving nothing, but emptiness behind...' from 'Cursed Land' kicks in you'll be left feeling like a right goose when your mother catches you spilling forth utter gibberish from the bathroom.

Bottom Line: There is power within all of us, you just need the right ticket to unlock the fury. "Predator of the Empire" is so close to being one of those power records that unlocks your bridled primal instincts to get down and dirty. This one's a keeper.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 8
Originality: 6
Overall: 7

Rating: 6.9 out of 10