On their third album, the German band Neaera moves a bit more away from metalcore and toward melodic death metal. Armamentarium has some elements of metalcore, but they've tuned the guitars down and the riffage is more aggressive.
One of my criticisms of Neaera's last CD was that although vocalist Benny Hilleke varied his pitch, his delivery and emotion was pretty similar throughout. This time around he continues to vary his style from low pitched growls to high pitched screams, but changes up the intensity and emotion just enough to add some diversity.
There are some good riffs and melodies on Armamentarium, but often the songs sound really similar. The exception is the bonus track "The Cleansing Void," which features great thrashy riffs and some melodic vocals. A few more songs in that vein along with Neaera's current style would make for more balance and diversity in their sound.
(released March 4, 2008 on Metal Blade Records)
