Stormforce is the debut album of this Danish metal quintet. Right from the first few seconds onwards it becomes clear that Contempt plays traditional death thrash metal in the vein of older In Flames, Dark Tranquility, The Haunted and At The Gates. The music is aggressive yet melodic and although it certainly doesn’t lack conviction, it is the lack of originality that finishes this album. Listen for instance to the second song “Mephisto’s Dance” and you’ll know what I mean.

The guitar riffs are ok but tend to bore quickly due to the high level of repetition.

It is however the excellent drumming that makes this album slightly interesting. The energetic drums sweep the music along and add an extra dimension to the otherwise quite dull songs. The production is raw and fits the music perfectly.

Contempt seem to have overshot the mark with this release, but the band is young and still has a lot to learn. Talent is certainly present and if they manage to rid their music of clichés and concentrate slightly more on the songwriting process then I am pretty sure that their second release will be successful.