Scarlet Records / Out Now

However, it has been a good 4 years since the release of Grand Design, and now the band are back. During this time Thomas Thorsén has been replaced by one of the most respected vocalists on the talented Swedish rock scene - enter Matti Alfonzetti.

As previously stated the bands 3 prior releases are all excellent slices of melodic metal with the quality of songwriting improving with each release as had the heaviness. So four years later it is extremely reassuring to hear that Damned Nation not only still have the goods in the song writing department but also have a new found aggression which is further enhanced by the very live sounding production. Gone for the most part are the AOR overtones that were prominent on Road To Desire and to a lesser extent Grand Design. Instead we still have superb melodies (especially on the choruses) but the tougher sound brings the band bang up to date - and also brings along with it a sound that is totally identifiable as being Damned Nation. Sign Of Madness's excellent album cover that sums up nicely the darker vibe on offer.

Guitarist Robert Warnqvist has never been short of talent in the guitar department, but these 12 new tracks showcase what may seem at first a more streamlined approach - yet given time become monster sonic statements. Warnqvist's solos are also in much shorter supply than on previous releases which initially I was a little disappointed in, but given time I feel that the songs actually benefit from this more stripped down approach.

This more basic approach is backed up by a very powerful production on Roger Jern's drums which give the album a lot of air and kicks some serious ass when cranked - they remind me quite a bit of the drum sound on Ozzy Osbourne's Ozzmosis album. Jern's drums lock in nicely with Magnus Jönsson' solid bass work. The leaves us with the vocals of Matti Alfonzetti. Luckily the band have picked a superb replacement for Thomas Thorsén with Alfonzetti having a very powerful delivery that really suits these tracks extremely well and I can see this voice working a treat in the live arena.

There are alot of excellent tracks here with special mention going to the furst track proper Stranded which sets the scene for the rest of the album in fine style. A scorching Zakk Wylde-ish riff which transpires into one helluva chorus - this one will be stuck in your head for weeks! Wall Of Illusion will appeal to any fan of quality hard rock, with its simplistic riff working wonders with the tight rhythm section, here Alofonzetti sounds particularly superb, adding even more merit to another enchanting chorus.

Consequences treads ground not too disimilar to that Alfonzetti worked with in Skintrade, yet the Damned Nation trademark sound is all over this one. Bringer Of Light is another favourite track with a massive riff, massive vocal delivery (Alfonzetti is really spitting this one out) and a great chorus that has some good backing vocals before taking a direction that is not expected.

If you though Bringer Of Light was as good as it gets then prepare for the title track to blow you away completely. Everything that epitomises Damned Nation in 2004 is in Sign Of Madness, the vocal melodies, the riff, the production just comes together to really give you a smack in the face - delightful stuff.

Although the album doesn't quite hit the dizzy heights of the title track there is still a darn sight more quality in the final 6 tracks that on any other album I have heard this year. Facing The Animal oozes melodic charm - particularly on the very classy chorus. Human Sacrifice mixes light and shade to good effect and the more stripped down sound works well here, really allowing Alfonzetti's vocals to soar. Some deft keyboard touches on the chorus add some nice orchestration before Warnqvist tears out another killer riff.

Still Alive is reminiscent of some of some of the sounds heard from the US in the last 3 years and I reckon if this was to achieve radio play or MTV play the band would have a huge hit on their hands. Wake Up is probably my least favourite track on the album, its not bad, it just doesn't possess the same class as heard elsewhere. Slave is home to another BIG riff from Warnqvist and is probably the most straighforward track on the album.

Album closer Going Blind is home to some more big riffs and what sounds like some Hammond Organ backing it up in places. Alfonzetti again soars here with a real live feeling delivery to his vocals. Thr chorus is a bit of a gem with some psychadelic touches and the addition of a solo from Robert Warnqvist helps sees the album out in fine style.

To be honest Sign Of Madness was the not the album I was expecting from Damned Nation for release number 4. I was ready for them to continue on from where they left off 4 years ago, the fact that they haven't has come as a real suprise, and the time away from the scene has obviously been well in the songwriting department. The band have now got a sound that is totally identifeable as being Damned Nation and the addition of Matti Alfonzetti has only made the band stronger. Sigbn Of Madness will appeal to any fan of modern rock, yet fans of the bands more commercial sound will also find a lot to find here.

Welcome back Damned Nation - just don't leave it so long until the next album ok!