Steelbath Suicide

One of, if not the most impressive Swedish metal debut, Soilwork's Steelbath Suicide belongs on everyone's short list of must-have '90s metal offerings. The Soilwork brand of death metal will remind a few listeners of countrymen In Flames for sure, but vocalist Bjorn Strid, guitarists Peter Wiche and Ola Frenning, drummer Henry Ranta, bassist Ola Fink, and keyboardist Carlos Del Olmo Holmberg mark off a little thrash-tinged Viking metal territory of their own on Steelbath Suicide, before furthering their sound, which is remarkable on the follow-up The Chainheart Machine. Highlights from this debut include "In Close Encounter" and "The Wings of Domain," which both feature spectacular work from Wiche and Frenning. Each member contributes nicely to Steelbath Suicide, making the group one of Swedish metal's most technically well-rounded. A strong recording, this 1998 debut is highly recommended. [Listenable's 2008 edition included one bonus cut.] ~ Jason Anderson|