The flair of classic cult metal reeks of a bygone era in the latest endeavor, Portrait is here to deliver a wide array of inspirations, the dark atmospheric opening of ‘Hoc Est Corpus Meum (Intro)’ gives the entire album yet another vibe of occultism. However, the ramping drums and the well-structured riffs ignite much enthusiasm; with the pacing shifting to a straightforward, pure metal on tracks like ‘The Blood Covenant’ and ‘The Sacrament’.

The guitar melody and the singing talent of Per Lengstedt take the vocals right to a harsher tone with high-pitched screams. The dual guitars burst wildly and heavy riffs powered by hammering drums and howling vocals are just the tip of the iceberg. The new album is considered a lengthy, but satisfying work from the band. The main riff on tracks like ‘Oneiric Visions’ and ‘One Last Kiss’ are the best examples of what to expect from these maniacs. The heavy vibe of the songs this time is one of the main aspects of the songwriting. The display of melodies, however, has a typical trademark.

Portrait puts together some of their best work and the acoustic guitar arrangements on the latter tracks remind me of none other than early Iron Maiden songs like ‘Flight of Icarus’. The vocals apply a different mood to the music and there is a certain atmosphere engulfing each of the fourteen songs on the album. Given that dark melody to the guitars it fits perfectly with the soaring vocals. There are plenty of catchy rhythms, riffs and galloping drums. Especially, the slow pacing and the exploding riffs stand out.

If you are aware of their early albums like ‘Crossroads’ and ‘Burn the World’, then make no mistake for the guitars lash out scorching riffs. There are even double peddle sections and blast beats and you surely won’t stop head banging to the magical touches of the guitar lines on ‘Treachery’. Despite the intense pacing, the riffs grow incredibly loud due to the unsettling tempos and the slow transitions from melodic to epic heavy metal. None of this has surprised me: the frantic tempo and the pacing build quickly and each shimmering melody sounds spectacular.

At times some of the frantic and consisting hammering makes songs like ‘Sound the Horn’ and ‘Dweller of the Threshold’ more varied in style. The falsettos are present on the songs before the galloping riffs indulge in some ass-kicking heavy metal majesty. The approach this time might be different from the Swedes. Some moments recall the 80s and 90s irate flamboyance and with the harmonies given to the guitars on ‘Die in My Heart’ the riffs carry this song with speed and finesse.

It’s almost like Portrait shows a new motif of channeling classic raw heavy/speed metal and they have those traditional characteristics and a high level of performance. Musically, ‘The Host’ has a sharp sound, the songs may be similar in feel while the slower tracks like ‘Voice of the Outsider’ are a mix of grandiosity and epic riffing.

The guitars are powerfully charged and sound heavier with a chorus that is catchy and memorable. The slower and aggressive riffs up the tempos as there are many fascinating songs on the album. It is a less complex and more dynamic record that will get you hooked with all its catchiness and dark atmosphere that provides an occult and mysterious edge. Portrait emphasizes these elements in the track ‘From the Urn’. Inspiration from King Diamond and Mercyful Fate adds an incredible tone and brings a melodic and dark atmosphere. This range of craftsmanship is beautifully displayed in the songs ‘The Men of Renown’ and ‘Sword of Reason (The Steel of Revenge)’ which are full of crashing riffs and robust battery.

The closure of the album ‘The Passions of Sophia’ is incredibly epic: everything flows together perfectly from the slow acoustic intro and somber singing to the towering guitar riffs and the professional drum work keeping up the rhythm in a perfect cadence; the somber atmosphere contrasts with the bass guitar and the shimmering riffs and there are plenty of impressive guitars playing along with the instruments being audible.

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