The Norwegian Notodden-based extreme metal group MindGrinder is back with their second album "Riot Detonator". Although the group was already formed in 1996, their debut album wasn't released until last year. With fierce attitude that shines throughout this release, MindGrinder and its music definitely grinds into the listeners' minds... only once does the band calm down during the whole album (the fifth track is an acoustic instrumental interlude). Mostly, the music of MindGrinder is a mix of metalcore, death metal and thrash metal.

The sounds on this album are quite assertive, which isn't a surprise considering the album was both recorded and mixed at the famed Akkerhaugen Lydstudio (Emperor, Zyklon, Windir). Regardless, the drums definitely could have been mixed better. At times some background distortion leaks into the mix, but otherwise the recordings are rather clean. Tom Kvålsvoll handled the mastering of Riot Detonator at Strype Audio.

On the face of it, MindGrinder's Riot Detonator is quite good album. The playing is tight, the production is good and the songs have some catchy riffs and melodies. Nonetheless, this album is quite short and the music isn't that revolutionary... in addition, all of the songs aren't as fortuitous as "Pathetic Submission", "Hellfire" and "Concept of Honesty", for example. However, this album will surely appeal to some metalheads, so give it a spin. The potential is there, so perhaps the next album will be a "hit".

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- MAGE (June 6th, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Nitrous: Guitar Titan: Guitar Dan: Drums Cosmocrator: Bass & Vocals
Producer:	MindGrinder & Akkerhaugen, Toby
Mixing by:	Akkerhaugen, Toby, Cosmocrautor, Titan & Nitrous
Mastering by:	Kvålsvoll, Tom & MindGrinder

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Warhead 02. Pathetic Submission 03. The Rebellion 04. Transition 05. Epilogue 06. Hellfire 07. Concept of Honesty 08. Death's Disciples 09. Obligation to Prevail Enhanced Content 10. Pathetic Submission Mudic Video 11. War Solution Live Video Length: 36:08 + the videos