“Cynical Code” opens with rumbly death metal churn, and a melodic solo laid over top hints at more than just your standard death metal fare. Then “Aesthetics of a Dead Art” bashes in and dispels that notion. Regardless, this is tight, well-played US-style death metal, with a gruff, commanding vocal.

However, it turns out that the last song was just a fluke, as the remainder of Dissonant Progression reveals itself to be firmly in the melodic death camp. The American death metal stylings and vocals remain, making this a beefier version of the classic sound we all know from the days of At the Gates and Dark Tranquillity. It’s a mostly furious melodic assault, but at times, as in the closing minutes of “A Vindication” or “Within These Walls,” Nettlethrone slows down to become more stately and somber, even working in some lovely acoustic codas. It’s very much like Finland’s frosty, majestic Insomnium, which I guess makes this… cold turkey. (Ahem.)

Although everything here is of high quality, I do find that the melodies employed are a bit too familiar. Back when At the Gates, In Flames and Arch Enemy first conquered the Swedish metal scene, you could hear similar melodies in all the second and third-tier bands. Then, ten years later, yet more similar riffs surfaced in the US during the metalcore explosion. And now here they are again.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with tried and true, but next time I’d love to hear a more distinctive approach. Nettlethrone certainly has the chops to pull it off, and the surlier death metal approach makes this band one to watch for.