Genre: Metallic hardcore
Origin: Sweden
Released: 2005
Website: Achilles Last Stand
Label: -
Uploaded: 03.11.05

Usually I'm pretty quick at discarding metalcore and the likes, but every now and then I'm pleasantly surprised. I stumbled across these guys sire a couple of years ago, but I have no clear picture of their sound back then. And so when I received this promo I was very curious.
This is without a doubt an up and coming act. The heavy and ripping riffs are of prime quality. The strings and drumming works together in a marvellous manner, creating a thick and massive wall of sound. On top of it all there's the raw screaming, adding to the wickedness. Achilles Last Stand have covered every angle, leaving little, or non, for the listener to complain about. Every riff is a pure joy, pummelling, heavy and raging. It's the little details that does it, and every time I listen to it I notice something new. There's an ambient-like breakdown at the end of Dying Heart - A real awesome one too, giving it all a cold and stark feeling.
With the promo I also received a review from Close-Up Magazine, where Achilles were compared to a grind-less Nasum. I guess I can see what they were thinking, but I would probably never make that comparison myself. No, what I come to think of is Roswell. To me, they're without a doubt thee best metallic hardcore act ever, so in my book comparing a band to Roswell means they're absolutely mind-blowing. And Achilles will become just that - mind-blowing. Everything about this demo kicks arse, but... Adding a deeper back up would complement the vocals alot, and my advice would be to continue exploring the ambient-like and weird influences/breakdowns. It adds a magnificent atmosphere when used properly, and Dying Heart's by far my favourite track.
This is really great, but I think they can become even better!

Tracklist:
1. The fatal blow
2. Pointless
3. Dying heart