Searching around the internet for English background information on this Norwegian quintet proved to be a slight challenge. Luckily myspace came to the rescue when their native tongue bio sheet couldn’t, as Frail Grounds started with singer Morten Sobyskogen in 2003 as a songwriter, looking to play metal in the vein of his heroes from Dickinson and Halford through to other divergent influences (to my ears being King Diamond, Evergrey, Cradle Of Filth and the Gothenburg melodic death metal scene). Battling lineup troubles took a couple of years to gain a full lineup, finally playing out live in 2007 while working on this 5 song EP. Professional in all aspects (full CD booklet, first rate production techniques, label quality cover work and band pictures), "Corrosion" may seem short in the number of tracks but you will gain full value for listening, as every song twists and turns past the 5 minute mark, including 2 epic numbers that eclipse the 8 minute dimension.

Morten has one of those voices that capture the ears upon first melody- reminiscent of the early Urban Breed times with Tad Morose. Musically Frail Grounds push the boundaries of power and progressive metal with a touch of technicality. During their faster sections they border on later Nevermore meets death metal (both vocally and musically on closing track "War Against The Flesh") but in the longer "Sweet Suffering" recall the wider emotional spectrum of an Evergrey or possibly the cleaner songs from Dark Tranquility. I can see the band’s appeal to a wide camp of metal crusaders, as the new school will appreciate a lot of the guitar bends and hook grooves, while the long time mongers delve deep into the horror-laden lyrics (Clive Barker inspired from my interpretation) and the overall attention to atmosphere that gives you plenty to sink your fangs into. "Corrosion" lost value with me only in the drum tone department, as Emil Moen receives a slightly raw deal for his quick hand kit work when the toms during the faster sections echo almost carbon copy to the bass drums as "After…" illustrates.

Frail Grounds have room to grow in many directions, and I believe "Corrosion" represents a fine start in forging their mark on the metal community.

www.myspace.com/frailgrounds
www.frailgrounds.com

Composed by Matt Coe