Exit To Transfer (Ninetone/Membrane Records/MRI-RED)

Sweden is often known as the land of melodic death metal, symphonic metal, black metal and many other styles. The up and coming talents in CORRODED and their brand of music and might have to get tagged on to that diverse list. The band has been making inroads in their homeland and the rest of Europe and now seemed poised to make a statement on our shores as well. Released in Sweden a year ago, the now available for wide release version of Exit To Transfer is full of arena ready rockers and heavy enough for discerning tastes.

Opening up with their acclaimed single “Age of Rage” the track just explodes in your ears and is as infectiously catchy as it it is hard. The marching swing of the drums and main riff should be an immediate crowd pleaser in a live setting. The song is in a way a global anthem for the unrest going on everywhere. No wonder the track was used in Electronic Arts (EA Games) free-to-play First Person Shooter game, Battlefield Play4Free. Straddling the line between active rock, grunge influences and 90′s metal – the track is a winner. Upon the first listen one is captivated by the impressive vocal stylings of guitarist Jens Westin. His brooding croon and terrific melodic range are on display early and often. “My Hollow Shell” is another fun, rocking cut and features an amazing sing-a-long chorus part. Along with Westin,  his co-guitarist Peter Sjödin consistently churn out riff after riff in every song. “It’s Up To You” is an uptempo jam with cool riffs and reminds me a little of middle-era HELMET. Jens again just blazes on his lead singing parts. “Dust” has a cool syncopated main riff and has some interesting ear candy going on in the guitars. Per Soläng is solid behind the kit and drives the track with his propulsive beats. “Piece By Piece” is one of the best tracks here, full of moxie and character. The main riff is awesome and has a neat sub-part flavored by a subtle wah-wah pedal. “I Am Your Savior” is a sinister sounding jam with intense lyrics to match the music. Other tracks of note are “The One”, the harsh sounding “Forget About Me” and boogie of “The Scars, The Wounds”. CORRODED is a band right in the wheelhouse of the fan with a taste for both SOUNDGARDEN and GODSMACK, all carried by Westin’s distinct and killer voice.

CORRODED in 2011- Ready to rock out.

GRADE: B

By Keith (Keefy) Chachkes