THE DUSKFALL

There's not a lot to be said about THE DUSKFALL that couldn't be said about thirty or forty other bands of young hopefuls kicking around the scene right now. They're a tight, competent band plying the trade of Swedish metal, mixing melodic riffing and buzzsaw guitars with harsh vocals and thrash roots. And, like so many before them, they're so typical and faceless as to be forgotten almost immediately after the CD ends.

THE DUSKFALL are at their best when they're going full-bore, making up in adrenaline what they lack in originality. "Break the Pact" and "Trust Is Overrated" (these guys do sport some great song titles) may be textbook Swedethrash, but damned if it doesn't get the blood flowing! "Going Down Screaming" is another great example — some well-placed blast beats, a great melodic solo in the middle to set off the thrashy opening, and a great, swelling fadeout ending. If not for the rather generic vocals, it might be enough of a barnstormer to get the listener fired up about the rest of the album.

But too much of "Lifetime Supply of Guilt" is mired in bargain-basement riffs and songs lacking hooks and intensity. A band on their third album, especially one making the jump to a large label, ought to be able to bring more to the table that this – whether it's defining a sound of their own, or upping the intensity level until the listener is forced to pay attention and show respect. THE DUSKFALL do neither here, consigning themselves to obscurity in an overcrowded scene. Hopefully they'll be given another chance, and will redeem themselves next time around, because there's obvious potential here – but "Lifetime Supply of Guilt" is, overall, a frustratingly bland record. A step above CARNAL FORGE in the food chain — maybe — and that's not saying much.