Review of Betty Swallaux third album

Betty Swallaux –  Into the Unknown

by Barry Bunglaow

With such a wide range of styles, and even genres incorporated into their music, it is difficult to pinpoint an individual, or even a collective influence on which to reference Betty Swallaux.

On the new album, their use of atmospheric sound, reminiscent of dark ambient sounds of Mortiis (era 3), is used well throughout the album, helping to synchronise the individual sounds together, while still allowing the respective genres to play through; from the garage rock sound of Pussy Galore (1985-1990), through the melodic metal sounds of Fear Factory, into the alternative industrial sounds of later Coal Camber (circa 2002) and even touching on the metalcore styles of bands like Chimaira.

The vocals range from the mellow sounds occasionally sung by Davide Tiso (Ephel Duath) though to guttural vocals of Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad), and occasionally beyond that to the sound of Scandinavian death metal like Mayhem (circa 2000)

Although there are many varied styles portrayed on one album, and each song is different from the last, it is well thought out and excellently executed.

It is rare to find a band that has so much to offer musically and to be able to express it, without hearing the battle between the genres within each song. The album layout allows you to hear the influences of the previous song, passed on to the current track, and by the end, have a feel of what is coming next.

An outstanding album that, in my eyes, could help this band moving on to bigger and better things.

Listen to the album here  by clicking the link http://www.reverbnation.com/bettyswallaux