Review by Felix on January 1, 2022.

Hi dudes, do you want to know how the perfect heavy metal production sounds? Burn The World, Portrait's fourth full-length, gives the answer. It combines a powerful depth with metallic transparency. Clear structures set the frame for organic drums (enjoy the fantastic intros of the fourth and the eighth piece, the CD bonus track), a well audible bass, natural guitars and clean vocals that cover a wide spectrum. In total, the album sounds robust, strict and airy at the same time. Do you also want to know how perfect heavy metal songs sound? Once again, 'Burn The World' gives the answer. Unfortunately, now I am speaking about the eponymous song, not the entire album.

Anyway, let's start with the ingenious opener. Speedy rhythms and an intelligently used double bass form a dynamic song that has a lot of twists and turns. The mostly high-pitched vocals increase the melodic elements without hurting the fundamental heaviness and aggression of the song. And despite its pretty complex pattern, the song also develops earworm qualities. Of course, this beginning is too good to be true and it is more or less a matter of course that the Swedish three-piece cannot keep this level. Yet this does not mean that the further material suffers from serious defects. Quite the opposite, here we have the best ouput of the group so far.

Generally speaking, the band still presents an exciting cocktail of speed and power metal which also features a few occult or rather unusual elements. The keyboard solo of 'Likfassna', for example, adds a surprising sequence to the punchy and intense number. Furthermore, it goes without saying that Per Lengstedt's vocals are evocative of King Diamond's performances and this alone guarantees somewhat esoteric and supernatural vibrations. The background vocals, for example that of 'Flaming Blood', point in the same direction. All these contributions complement the surprisingly fast rhythmic foundation. A rather relaxed tune like 'Martyrs' remains exceptional. The permanent pressure of the compositions distinguishes the Swedes from the Danish legend that introduced us to "Melissa". Compared with a band like Attic, Portrait are much less a copy of Mercyful Fate. To write it more precisely, they are no copy at all. Honestly speaking, they are rather unique - and they can rely on their musical instincts. Like many of their compatriots, they have a knack for effective melodies and they do not lack technical skills.

Of course, I am not happy until I have found a reason to lament. I understand that the atmospheric intermezzo 'Further She Rode' is part of the pretty mysterious concept, but I would not have missed these 112 seconds. The regular songs are much better and their brilliantly executed tempo changes keep the listener in suspense. A furious track like 'To Die For' is almost an orgy of speed and the excellent, vibrant drumming leaves its mark anew. No doubt, Portrait manage the epic sections as well as the rapid sequences, but I cannot kill the "Show No Mercy" fanboy in me and therefore I prefer the faster tracks. But each and every number achieves a good level, even the epic and slightly overlong closer. However, this album has the potential to fascinate heavy, speed, thrash and even black metal fans. If you belong to one of these groups, do not hesitate to give it a chance. If you do not like at least one of these styles... well, I have heard that Abba have recorded two new songs. Agnetha or Anni-Frid can provide you with the details.

Rating: 8.4 out of 10