Friday, November 8: Soilwork, "Overload"
Figure Number Five was the first time Soilwork recorded an album knowing it would receive at least some consideration from international audiences, but while it continued their ongoing evolution from their more conventionally death metal beginnings, it also retained some of the wooliness (and amateurishness) that made their previous two records both endearing and a bit bushleague. “Overload” captured this transition by both illustrating their growth as performers (particularly in Bjӧrn “Speed” Strid’s vocals) as well their ongoing efforts to learn how to write actual songs- there were plenty of hooks, and the riffs were robust and catchy, but there was a certain awkwardness in the arrangements that kept the track from having a clear throughline. It was weird, but by the same token that strangeness made Soilwork stand out and gained them traction on the scene. And “Overload” was one of those tunes that likewise distinguished itself with its unconventional approach, one that the band would soon outgrow in ways that mostly benefited them but also reflected a loss of innocence.
