DESCRIPTION:
Band: Lifelover
EP: Dekadens
Country Of Origin: Sweden
Release Date: October 9th, 2009
Label: Osmose Productions

Playlist:

1. Luguber Framtid 00:00
2. Myspys 03:06
3. Major Fuck Off 07:11
4. Lethargy 09:36
5. Androider 13:36
6. Visdomsord 18:48
7. Destination: Ingenstans 21:35

Total Length: 26:04

After three previous full lengths comes Lifelover's most recent release, Dekadens. This review has been long overdue since this EP was released in late 2009, but oh well, better late than never.

For those who are already familiar with Lifelover and expect to hear upbeat tempos along the lines of Pulver or the prominent depressing tunes of Konkurs, be in for a surprise upon your first listen - as Dekadens does not sound similar to either of them or any other release thus far. Although it is quite obvious, having an actual drummer in replacement for the drum machine has certainly put a whole new sound into Lifelover's music, although their initial sound was along the lines of "somewhat heavy" before, the first three tracks in particular are the main highlights which represent this progression. The drums and vocals seem to stand out more so and pull you in, especially with the first opening track "Luguber Framtid", which is probably the heaviest song they have put out so far next to "Major Fuck Off". Kim Carlsson aka ( )'s vocals sound a lot more well-rehearsed on this release and not as struggling as they did on Konkurs (unless if it was intentional, of course).

The only thing which makes this release come off as "depressive" is the last half of this album, which are the last three tracks. I only say this because in a way, they remind me somewhat of a continuation of Konkurs, but not necessarily as long or to the point of being tiresome. "Visdomsord" practically leads right into "Destination: Ingenstans" which is an ideal song for a slow closure to this album. They also did not stop using the piano which was on previous releases, although it's not used nearly as much. To be honest, it would have probably seemed a bit out of place with the sound they were aiming for on Dekadens.

I have read various commentaries in regards to this album coming off as a step-down from the way Lifelover used to or are supposed to sound - from a more empirical perspective, it is no step down from anything. Seeing as it would more than likely become boring or repetitive if there were new Pulver or Konkurs albums released every year. Change may not manage to please everyone, but in this case Lifelover have not necessarily "changed" but continue doing what they always have - constantly experimenting and trying new tactics with their musical endeavors. There has been obvious progression with this band over the periods they have been through. Take away the drum machine, and you get a whole different sound within the music, much heavier and raw, although still in the veins of the same unique sound which is Lifelover, and it simply cannot be put any other way.

- tracyterrorist, March 21st, 2010

http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Lifelover/Dekadens/247573/tracyterrorist

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