Critiques – Tracks from the Final Choice

Heavy metal fans cherish bands that endure over time, yet such longevity comes with its own set of challenges: the constant tension between the desire for change and the fear of alienation. Even the most celebrated groups grapple with maintaining their essence while exploring new creative avenues.

As a thrash metal band infused with melodic death elements, THE HAUNTED has encountered their share of divisive moments. Their early albums showcased incredible precision and power, carving a path forward that impressed many. However, they ventured into uncharted territory with works like the darkly melodic concept album “The Dead Eye” and the eclectic “Unseen”, which polarized opinions. Since the 2014 release of “Exit Wounds” and the return of vocalist Marco Aro, the band’s direction has been clear. While they haven’t fully reverted to their late ’90s thrash sound, they’ve reestablished their cornerstone with a fierce modern twist.

With “Strength in Numbers” in 2017, THE HAUNTED came close to achieving their peak, delivering songs seamlessly fitting into live sets alongside old classics like “Hate Song” and “Bury Your Dead”. The anticipation for a follow-up dragged on for seven years, making the arrival of “Songs of Last Resort” all the more exciting. Fast-paced and aggressive, it counters any notion that THE HAUNTED are slowing down with age. This tenth studio album delves deeper, with darker and more introspective lyrics, designed to leave a powerful impact.

The opening tracks explode with adrenaline. “Warhead” lives up to its name, dismantling war’s harsh realities through fierce thrash riffs. “In Fire Reborn” maintains this energy with haunting melodies and a fire-breathing enthusiasm from Marco Aro. “Death to the Crown” deepens the experience with moody keyboard textures and a cinematic undertone, while maintaining relentless riffs. In stark contrast, “Unbound” delivers a raucous display of energy, characterized by punishing D-beats and an exhilarating solo from lead guitarist Ola Englund. Four tracks in, THE HAUNTED showcases an intensity that has been absent for a while. “Hell is Wasted on the Dead” solidifies this, offering a ferocious thrash assault that stands as one of their most aggressive songs in decades. “Through the Fire” closely follows suit, featuring a relentless barrage of riffs, sharp tempo changes, and eerie atmospheres reminiscent of death metal.

According to the accompanying bio, “Songs of Last Resort” draws inspiration from the ‘letters of last resort’, handwritten correspondence from the UK Prime Minister directed to the commanders of British ballistic missile submarines, outlining orders in the event of a nuclear attack. This heavy theme resonates throughout the album, with a sense of dread permeating every track. THE HAUNTED excel at shifting to a crushing, muscular mid-tempo and “Collateral Carnage” exemplifies this, elevating melancholic melodies from a tumultuous battleground, leading to a merciless breakdown that will test fans’ neck strength. Similarly, “Labyrinth of Lies” serves as a stealthy, slow-building attack steeped in menace and traditional metal drama. The album closes with “Letters of Last Resort”, which deviates from their usual ferocity, featuring a nightmarish voiceover and intricate sound design; yet, like the rest of this impressive return, the adventurous spirit remains paired with consistently superior riffs. After nearly three decades in the game, THE HAUNTED continue to lead the charge.