There used to be a time where I would keep my expectations low for a band’s sophomore release. Like many others of late, Finland’s own Foreseen has me thinking twice on leaving the bar so low with theirs; Grave Danger (20 Buck Spin), the latest from the Finish Crossover shredders is sure to wake you up in the morning faster than coffee. The album in its entirety is a straight up burner and only lets up enough for some well placed two step and mosh-worthy breakdowns.

Grave Danger is a quick one at twenty nine minutes that provides eight blistering Crossover/Thrash aggression. ‘Chemical Heritage’ does the best job at showing how quickly the mood of a Foreseen song can change. While ripping through some fast right, machine gun like riffs, a breakdown will hit just long enough to let you catch your breath only to pick back up. The next track, ‘Fearmonger’ also does a great job with transitions, but much more mindful of progressions. Halfway through the song, the riffs just kick to a classic Crossover riff feel with plenty of d-beat as well as a face melting solo. If none of the tracks thus far were fast enough, then ‘Downward Spiral’ will be sure to pump your fist until it shoots off of your wrist. The overall tempo and riffs will keep you hanging until the guitar solo smacks you in the face.

While the world of Crossover does not have a whole hell of a lot of variance from one band to another, Foreseen certainly do a great job of paying respects to the pioneers of the genre yet stand out from the rest. The vocals have a raw feel to them that many modern crossover bands out today seem to have which was a huge selling point for me. Regardless of where my expectations were due to my prejudices of sophomore releases, Grave Danger, on the whole, should please many fans of the genre.

7.5/10

TIM LEDIN