Band : Cain
Album title : The Master Clockwork
Label : Cain - Swedmetal
Distributor : Swedmetal Promotions
Release date : April 2009 (band)
Release : CD

In search of info on this Swedish band (formed end 2003 in Kalmar and consisting of singer Patrick Stromberg, guitarists Pontus Lundin and Joel Eriksson, keyboardist Stefan Runberg, bassist Tobias Johnsson, and drummer Andreas Grauffman – no idea whether they’re all founding members, or not), I’ve come across at least 3 other, well documented, bands by that name: a Black/ Death combo from Pouchkeepsy (NY, USA) which produced one 2001 demo, a Traditional/ Groove metal outfit from Tessaloniki, Greece which released a 2006 album, and a Black Metal act from Rome/ Lazio (Italy) which released a 2005 demo and a 2007 album.

But…these guys are from Sweden, and info about ‘em is very scarce, even if this is apparently their 3rd recording to see light of day. Prior to this album, and on an independent level, the band nevertheless managed to play support slots with the likes of Mustasch, Crash Diet, and BWO, in different parts of Sweden. Work on this album was started in early December 2008…II suppose at the band’s home studio, because in February they were still fine-tuning things. Working up towards the self-release in April 2009, the band posted several songs on their (Dec. ‘008 started) MySpace page, and since they’ve added another, plus a couple of live clips from their performance at Bergvara Water Festival on YouTube. Surprisingly, none of the songs posted is “Sink” (arguably the album’s most energetic track, also includes some sparce screamed vocal backings), which was played several times on Swedish national radio. Also, they apparently got themselves a promotion/ distribution deal with Swedmetal…which is, I suppose, how wé got a copy of this very fine 9-track album!

Stylistically, Cain (SWE) uses elements from Power and Progressive Metal to create something which may not be exactly “original”, but very nice to the ear. Adding several calmer passages as well (the posted “Red Water” being the most extreme example of that) gives the album a nice variety on top. In the more “exited” moments, the guitarists create a tapestry of lead/ rhythm tunes with a lead guitarist whom likes to do some nice short solo passages. On top, there’s also the keyboards, atmospherically backing for the most time, but occasionally being allowed to come to the fore as well. The singer providing the icing on the cake (with some sparce backings to boot) with his melodic vocal stylings (nothing new, but fairly done…soaring when needed, and strong enough in the calmer passages as well – which ain’t that evident, as a lot of singers fail miserably when having to sing in that mode) rounds it all off. Nice album…and one I honestly wouldn’t have expected Swedmetal (who’re usuaally in the seedier, more Glam-oriented style of things) to back!

83/100

Tony.