Despite

Since forming in 1998, recording a few demos and undergoing some member changes, Swedish outfit Despite have finally released their debut effort, which includes seven tracks that clock in at just under 26 minutes. Although Despite's melodic death metal/thrash/hardcore/metalcore mash-up is a tad overwhelming, In Your Despite is an album made up of well-written songs with that classic Gothenburg feel. Founding members Timmy Leng (guitar) and Fredrik Meister (bass) supply the backbone to Despite, while vocalist Alex Losbäck Holstad (ex-Decameron and Cardinal Sin) provides an utterly demonic atmosphere. The vocals on In Your Despite intensify on "MindPlague," which includes guest vocals by Knut Agnred, prominent singer of Swedish comedy group Galenskaparna and After Shave. However, the rest of the six tracks, including "Beast in the Cage" and "Rise Above," lack the "it" factor brought forth by Gothenburg sensations like At The Gates and The Jester Race-era In Flames.