SUSPERIA - Unlimited - The Metal Channel

Every year, I forget about this band and album, but it somehow ends up back on my playlist. The music never gets old.

Susperia is a Norwegian thrash metal band formed in 1998. The group started by drummer, Tjodalv (Dimmu Borgir, Old Man’s Child) and guitarist Cyrus (Satyricon, Old Man’s Child) after Tjodalv left Dimmu Borgir. Changing styles, from black metal to a more thrash-oriented sound, is never easy. Especially, when your fanbase associates you with a particular style of music.

Susperia’s first couple of releases did contain more of a black metal vibe but that sound had completely disappeared by the band’s third album, Unlimited. Released in 2004, this record’s sound has often been compared to one of my all-time favorite thrash bands, Testament.

I personally discovered Susperia back in 2010 when I came across the Unlimited album at my local record store. The Evil Dead style cover had me instantly hooked. At the time I thought the music was great but now, 16 years later, I must admit this has got to be one of the greatest metal albums of all time. Every year, I forget about this band and album, but it somehow ends up back on my playlist. The music never gets old.

From start to finish, Unlimited is an all-encompassing, ever engaging, and truly captivating listen. Featuring some of the most inventive and ingenious riffs I have ever heard. This offering is as epic as it is brutal. In my mind, Athera is one of the greatest vocalists in metal. He can do it all and his vocal performance on this record is absolutely incredible. Highlight tracks for me are: “Chemistry”, “Situational Awareness”, “Devil May Care” and “Home Sweet Hell”.

What makes Susperia so amazing is their unique song construction. The melodies are memorable, holding a ravishing quality, yet still maintain a hard edge.

Sometimes when extreme metal groups try to bring too much melody to their music, they lose their edge and the song starts sounding like some cheesy ballad. Susperia avoids this problem. Their emotionally charged songs simply remain emotionally charged. Their unique style of metal allows them to take you by surprise. You don’t realize the impact of a song until it is completed. I urge you to check out Susperia’s Unlimited and let this situational awareness truly captivate you! \m/