Evilized

Evilized is the second album, putting thick guitar riffs, powerful vocals and choruses anyone can sing right at the front. Released in 2003, on the back of the debut's good reception the band had shifted from a thrown-together project into a proper unit. Snowy Shaw, who had meant only to play sessions, joined permanently, and a first Japanese tour happened. The songs use traditional heavy metal's signs affectionately while the playing's momentum keeps them from feeling dated. Nordström produced again himself, and the Studio Fredman sound carries straight through. A worldview taking in battle's exhilaration and humor is held together by the band's straightforward intensity. From the opener “Break the Chains” through “By My Side,” “Fight You 'Till the End,” the title track, “Children of the Night” and “Made of Metal,” twelve songs run in a straight line. In this period Gus G drew enough attention to make the cover of Young Guitar magazine, and the story goes that when he was busy Snowy Shaw played the lead guitar parts live. A brisk record purely for enjoying metal.