Review by Jack on May 22, 2002.

“Vindication” starts out with all guns blazing. More of the same thrashy material that was heard in “Predominance” has arrived in the form of a user-friendlier serve from Susperia this time, no doubt aimed to penetrate the saturated teenage nu-metal mobs of America. Crunchy guitar riffs, crystal clear production and clean vocals are all the rage nowadays and Susperia do not disappoint in that sector.

I have gone through three phases with “Vindication”. When I first heard the sophomore effort from Susperia I was completely indifferent to the album; that is, it did not do a thing for me. My second phase of listening to “Vindication” was one filled with a slightly improved take on things; I was head-banging quite comfortably to ‘Petrified’ and ‘Anguished Scream (for Vengeance)’. I then stopped listening for a few days, switched Susperia back on, and was more apprehensive and indifferent than when I first listened.

My main problem with “Vindication” is that Susperia have tried so hard to move away from being mere carbon copies of the whole Norwegian-black-metal-thingy, that they have forfeited their forte in metal. Sure it’s innovative, sure it makes a change… but if only they could make the music slightly more interesting. The first five tracks on “Vindication” pump me up, but by ‘Completion’ I am reaching for the ‘stop’ button on the remote.

The song writing has ultimately taken a dive down after the first release, not by much, but enough to warrant giving this album a long hard look. If you really dug the material on “Predominance”, then, by all means give “Vindication” a run. I really did enjoy the debut, I was just hoping they would up the ante with “Vindication” and release one for the ages. Oh well…

Bottom Line: There are so many cool things that Susperia could have done with “Vindication”, so many different and alternative paths they could have walked down. Yet, in their own version of wisdom they chose not to. I am upset and I feel let down by this album.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 7.5
Originality: 7
Overall: 6

Rating: 6.5 of 10