Description
Face Down – The Twisted Rule The Wicked – Compact Disc
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Nuclear Blast Records
The Twisted Rule the Wicked is the second full-length album by the Swedish metal band Face Down, released in 1997. The album represents a significant evolution from their debut record, Mindfield (1995), and solidifies the band’s place in the mid-90s groove and thrash metal scene. Combining relentless aggression, crushing riffs, and a polished production, the album is a hallmark of heavy metal’s crossover with groove-laden rhythms and death metal intensity.
This release marked a pivotal moment for the band, showcasing their ability to craft tightly structured songs filled with both raw power and technical precision. With this album, Face Down further distinguished themselves within the Swedish and broader European metal scenes, blending thrash and groove elements akin to Pantera with death metal ferocity reminiscent of Entombed or Meshuggah.
After releasing their debut Mindfield, Face Down gained recognition in Sweden and beyond for their heavy, unapologetic approach to groove metal. By 1997, the band sought to refine their sound, aiming for a more aggressive and polished follow-up.
The recording sessions for The Twisted Rule the Wicked took place at Dug Out Productions in Uppsala, Sweden, during June and July of 1997. Tracks 5, 7, and 12 were recorded earlier at the renowned Sunlight Studio, famous for producing key albums by bands in the Swedish death metal scene.
The album was produced by Face Down in collaboration with Daniel Bergstrand, a noted producer in the metal genre who has worked with acts like In Flames and Soilwork. His production brought clarity and heft to the record, ensuring that every riff, drumbeat, and vocal growl hit with maximum impact.
The Twisted Rule the Wicked is a blend of groove metal’s pounding rhythms, thrash metal’s speed and aggression, and death metal’s brutality. The album balances these styles expertly, with dynamic song structures that range from blistering high-tempo assaults to crushing mid-paced grooves.
Lyrically, the album delves into themes of inner turmoil, societal critique, and existential despair. The growled and shouted vocals of Marco Aro serve as the perfect vessel for these heavy topics, delivering the lyrics with raw emotion and a sense of urgency.
Musical elements include crunchy, palm-muted guitar riffs dominate the album, supported by tight, intricate drumming that drives the songs forward. Marco Aro’s guttural delivery is both menacing and clear, ensuring the lyrics resonate powerfully. Occasional use of samples, subtle loops, and haunting melodies add depth to the album’s overall soundscape.
Track-by-Track Analysis
‘Dead Breed’
A blistering opening track with pummeling riffs and relentless drumming. The song’s intensity immediately sets the tone for the album.
‘Self Appointed God’
A groovy mid-paced anthem that critiques authoritarianism and self-righteousness. The breakdown section is particularly crushing.
‘Waste’
This track brings thrash elements to the forefront, with a faster tempo and razor-sharp guitar work.
‘Life Relentless’
A shorter, punchier song that focuses on existential themes and the struggle to endure life’s hardships.
‘Autumn Scars’
Clocking in at just over two minutes, this track delivers raw energy and haunting melodies recorded at Sunlight Studio.
‘Bed of Roaches’
A dark, heavy song with eerie undertones and lyrics that delve into the decay of the human spirit.
‘Top of the World’
A standout track that blends crushing heaviness with anthemic elements, making it a live favorite for fans.
‘Slender Messiah’
This epic six-minute track showcases the band’s ability to weave intricate arrangements with emotional intensity.
‘For Your Misery’
A direct, hard-hitting song that doesn’t let up, offering some of the album’s most intense moments.
‘Embrace the Moment’
A mid-tempo track with a groove-heavy foundation and introspective lyrics.
‘Cleansweep’
A song driven by aggressive drumming and galloping guitar riffs, showcasing the band’s thrash metal roots.
‘With Unseeing Eyes’
The closing track combines a haunting piano intro with crushing metal instrumentation, providing a powerful and memorable ending to the album.
Aro’s powerful, guttural delivery serves as the emotional core of the album. His performance on The Twisted Rule the Wicked is often cited as one of his career highlights. Carlsson’s riff-driven approach anchors the album, with his precise and aggressive playing standing out as a key feature. Harju provides the heavy low end that gives the album its crushing weight. Stjärnvind’s dynamic drumming showcases a mastery of both thrash and groove metal techniques, driving the album’s intense energy.
Upon its release, The Twisted Rule the Wicked received positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Highlights included the band’s tighter songwriting and the polished production. Critics praised the album’s ability to blend raw aggression with accessible grooves, appealing to fans of bands like Pantera, Machine Head, and Sepultura.
While not achieving mainstream commercial success, the album cemented Face Down as a key player in the 1990s European metal scene. Its influence can be seen in the subsequent works of bands that straddle the lines between groove, thrash, and death metal.
The Twisted Rule the Wicked remains a favorite among fans of 1990s metal for its uncompromising heaviness and raw emotional energy. The album also served as a stepping stone for Marco Aro, who later joined The Haunted, further elevating his status in the metal world.
