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SYSTEM SHOCK 'Arctic Inside' Karmageddon Media (2004)
One of the most recent releases of Karmageddon Media comes from a brand new band called System Shock. The band was formed in Sweden, and consists of five musicians, three of which are of Greek origin. The main figure behind this band is guitarist Lukas Bergis, who was also part of the Athenian Metal band Midnight Scream.
Lukas decided to put this band together when he met ex-Nightfall drummer George Kolias during the well-known Wacken Festival. Lukas had great admiration for George’s contribution to Nightfall, and mentioned the idea for them to create a Death Metal band, whose music would give more emphasis to melody. The band created a demo with eight songs, which was soon delivered to many different record labels.
The one that decided to give System Shock a chance was Karmageddon Media. Everything was working according to plan – now all that the band had to focus on was the recordings of the album.
The place that was chosen for the recording of "Arctic Inside", the band’s debut album, was Tico Tico studios in Finland - a studio that has hosted in the past bands like Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy and In Flames. Since the name Dark Tranquillity is mentioned, I might as well tell you that the guitar player of that band, Niklas Sundin, was also the artist that created the artwork of this album.
Karmageddon Media promotes System Shock as a Melodic Death Metal band, and that is true, up to a certain extent. The problem is that people will probably think that the music of System Shock will sound similar to Within Y or Scenteria – bands that are also promoted by the same label. Well, that’s not exactly the case.
The foundation of System Shock’s music is built upon keyboard and guitar melodies that mostly relate to Hard Rock and Classic Metal themes. If "Orbital", "Fading Star" and "Safe Inside" were instrumental compositions, you could easily assume that what you’re holding in your hands is a release from a Heavy/Power Metal band.
Of course, Dimitris Ioakimoglou’s voice will prove you wrong, since it is this that gives the Death Metal element to the band’s music. Adding to Dimitris’ voice are compositions like the opening track "Devilwish" and "Cult of Orion", with the latter being a song that’s deeply influenced by Rotting Christ and early Nightfall.
I do feel the need though to make a special reference to the brilliant guitar theme that my countryman Lukas Bergis has created for what I consider to be the best song of the album, "Bleed it Off". It is amazing how after many years of musical evolution, a simple melodic guitar theme is still capable of making the difference!
Dedicating thirty-nine minutes of your time to this album is a wise decision. I know that "Arctic Inside" is not the best album that this band can create. It is an honest release though that will hopefully introduce System Shock to bigger crowds. Something tells me that I shall wait for something far greater by this band in the near future - let’s see!
***½
Review by John Stefanis
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