Raunchy by name, metal by nature
I'm not sure what 'Futuristic Hybrid Metal' is, but it's what Denmark's Raunchy have been hailed as according to their press release. I am sure in every record company around the world, there's a kid on work experience whose job it is to come up with these new genres of music. Even with their new, albeit ridiculous, mantle, Raunchy also state on their press release, that they play melodic death metal in the same vein as Soilwork and Inflames, so why not call them melodic death metal? I think the real reason behind it is to give a fresh appeal to a band that sound very similar to their contemporaries. A description that tries to set them apart from Inflames in an attempt for them to slot into an almost cluttered market. Raunchy aren't very original, there's nothing on 'Death Pop Romance' that can't be found on a Soilwork album, but there's one thing Raunchy do have going for them, they write good songs.
The similarity with Inflames and Soilwork is uncanny, not only with the slick production but also the song structures and style of writing. Credit must be given to Raunchy however, because their variations on a theme are more dynamic than those of the previously mentioned bands. Whereas Soilwork arguably stick with the same winning formula as regard to tempo and vocal arrangement, Raunchy, in the first three tracks, have the usual opening blast-a-thon, which is cunningly followed by the infectious 'Abandon your hope,' before choking a choppy rhythm on 'Phantoms.' Although seemingly written with the help of the 'How to write melodic death metal' book, all three tracks are from the top draw. Kasper Thomsen gurgles, growls and spits the words with venom, having a tone to his voice that suits the layered production. Powerful and ugly yet listenable, he has a great ability to write a chorus that other bands would risk careers for.
It could be suggested this is commercial melodic death metal, because there is little in the way of the flash, intricate guitar work of bands such as Children of Bodom and Arch Enemy, who are considered to be genre buddies. The guitar work is solid enough helped by the thick chunky rasp, even if the axe-tampering isn't too elaborate. The idea is to blow you away rather than wow you over, and I'm not citing this as a criticism but it does give an indication of where this six-piece are coming from. Jeppe Christensen's keyboards are low in the mix but add enough to create the wall of sound needed for this style of music to be effective. 'Live the Myth' is a stunning cut, it's Fear Factory machine gun start leads to a great riff driven hook, another indication of how Raunchy aren't content with sticking to the one style of song.
'Persistence' is another welcome change of pace with a pummelling groove, although still heavier than a steel block encased in iron, it perhaps may have been an instance that didn't require one of those 'here comes the chorus' moments. It makes the song sound slightly tacky and a little 'thrown together,' as if they had the main song and threw in any old chorus to finish it off. The final two songs, 'The Velvet Remains' and 'Farewell to Devotion,' are respectable if unmemorable, because Raunchy by this point have shot all their arrows. Perhaps a song with a section of clean guitar, or a track with intricate guitar work and harmonies may have been a better option.
Even with their dreadful name and god-awful CD cover, Raunchy have written a good album worthy of your attention. In recent reviews I have found fault with a couple of bands who are playing music of a genre on it's knees, and who fail to bring anything new and fresh to the scene. Whereas those bands were keen to keep the nu-metal flag flying, Raunchy attempt to join a scene still popular with the fans and rock press, and not only that, Raunchy have the ideas to back themselves up. Whether there is room and longevity in melodic death metal for Raunchy to establish themselves remains to be seen. I hope they can, because 'Death Pop Romance' is an excellent release, on a level perhaps, both musically and sonically, with Soilwork's 'Stabbing the Drama' and Inflames 'Route to Remain.' After many listens I still don't know what 'Futuristic Hybrid Metal' is, but who needs pointless, nonsensical tags when you have the ability to write good songs. Go buy!