Melodic death metal can be a minefield. One riff repeated once too often can destroy a song. One idea stretched too far can destroy an album. Which is why Children of Bodom and In Flames have now officially gone to the dogs. Yes, I know I gave Hatecrew Deathroll a favourable review, but in retrospect, it never did stand up to repeated listens.

Suidakra are here to blow away the cobwebs. They have the variety, the panache, and the downright brutality to go far in this world. I would even go so far as to say that they are the greatest of their kind. The vocals, both death metal and clean, are used to fantastic effect. The guitar melodies are well placed and flawlessly executed. In face, Signs for the Fallen is one of the most exhilarating albums I have heard for a long time. Not a single display of weakness among the 10 tracks, and as a bonus, it just gets better and better with each listen.

I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that every idea on this album works like a charm. A wonderful combination of influences and agile creativity. The clean vocals occasionally give a nod towards Viking metal, and there are many guitar phrases that signal the development of melodic heavy metal.

Take a listen and you won't be disappointed. (9.3/10)