It's almost criminal in my eyes, that Entwine, are not regarded, alongside, HIM, as one the best exponents of melodic gothic hard rock. Just why I have no idea, they've released three; simply gorgeous slices of well crafted anthems, that HIM, only wish they could better.

'Fatal Design', comes some two and a half years since their last full album, 'Diversity', during which the stunning EP,

'Sliver', filled in the gap somewhat, but still left myself, and fans a like, hungry for some more.

The already mentioned three previous efforts are a lot to live up to, and after half a dozen or so listens, 'Fatal Design', did leave me in almost a state of shock. Gone are the softer sounds and some keyboards, replaced by some much heavier guitars, even some of the previous stellar, almost bullet proof songwriting seemed to be missing.

So much so, I was ready to shelve this and hope the real Entwine album, would be released very soon.

But, my fears were completed shattered soon enough! I couldn't resist pressing play again and again; sure enough it was all still there, the Entwine songwriting, the melodies, the songs, the quintessential Entwine sound. Only this time, they've buried it all under those riffing guitars and meatier songs. Which probably is a good thing? Repeating that successful formula, one more time, may have been fatal!

What we do have is ten stunning songs, all short, compact, full of riffs, hooks and melodies that some bands would not produce over a career. If you're an Entwine fan, a little caution is in order, the layers are there to be peeled away and savoured.

Don't expect the instant gratification, dig a little deeper to find something really worth waiting for.

If you've heard Entwine before, then this is essential, if you haven't, once you've been hooked by, 'Fatal Design', you will be asking yourself, why didn't I get into these guys a lot earlier?

*****

Review by Graham Boyle