For all of you who thought that Johan Liva (ex-vocalist of Arch Enemy) had stopped making music, you are wrong. Ha, he also plays strings now. Together with his former Furbowl and Devourment colleague and drummer Max Thornell and Mattias Ljung they’ve released Hearse’s debut Dominion Reptilian. It follows the in 2002 released 7” Torch. The album is best described as mostly mid tempo based melodic death metal with a dominant role for the guitars. But sometimes the band shifts some gears up like in the thrashy “Contemplation”. The entire release is full of flashy guitar solos and Scandinavian double guitar parts.

Listen to the title song for example. Although I have to admit most of the guitar riffs are more old school like in “Rapture In Twilight”. The suspense is well dosed, so the songs don’t bore the listener. Vocally Johan Liva does not need any further introduction, although I have to say it was nice hearing him howl again. For people who like the old school feel with a modern touch. The production is alright, done in the “famous” Dog Pound Studios (Entombed). Is there life after Arch Enemy?