2011 finds the Swedish band The Haunted in a completely different music path. If you expect the thrash band The Haunted then you’ll definitely be disappointed. However, if you’re a fan of the so called modern metal of nu/stoner/southern sounds then prepare yourselves for a “delicious” new album. The band which toured with Napalm Death, Exodus, Nile, Municipal Waste, Slayer ect and headbanging and mosh-pits were a must during the live, no longer exists! So, if you are a thrasher, please don’t listen to this album… Those who like experiments in metal and prefer southern and stoner sounds may find “Unseen” excellent or even as one of the best albums of the year.
The great blasts from the past now really belong to the past. “Unseen” is far far far away from “The Haunted” (1998), “Made Me Do It” (2000), “One Kill Wonder” (2003) even “Revolver” (2004) albums. It reminded me of Clutch, Corrosion of Conformity and, pardon me for saying it, I think Faith No More too. Drums are absent in this album (please leave a message after the biiiip…). Dolving’s vocals are melodic and very very good and don’t remind at all the vocals of the old The Haunted. The album is a blend of sounds experimentation mainly with clean and melodic vocals.
“Unseen” is a groovy album. It has quite a few interesting tracks but “Never Better”, “Done”, “Catch 22” and “Νο Ghost” are those to stand out. It’s an album that, without doubt, will “provoke” audience. Still, I prefer the band’s Bury-your-dead-sound.
