Album Review by Brenden BodyBag
Following on from their 2023 self-titled debut, Sweden’s Curse of Cain have returned with their highly anticipated second album Achtung. The band describes themselves as “Movie Metal,” and it’s a fitting tag—everything about them, from the music to the visuals, carries an immersive, cinematic weight. With their dystopian world-building, theatrical stage presence, and larger-than-life character personas—The Soulkeeper (vocals), Rainbow (vocals & percussion), The Pirate (bass & vocals), The Timekeeper (guitar), and The Mechanic (drums)—Curse of Cain deliver more than an album: they deliver an experience.
The opening track “Mirror Mirror” wastes no time setting the tone. It kicks in with a slamming drum groove and a nu-metal riff before launching into a chorus that’s both crushing and incredibly catchy. The interplay between The Soulkeeper and Rainbow really shines here, their contrasting vocal styles bringing a light-and-shade dynamic that carries throughout the record. The band even dropped an epic video for this track—well worth checking out—that continues their commitment to a strong, consistent visual theme.
From there, the record veers into darker, more industrial territory with “Feel the Pain.” Its cinematic intro opens into something that wouldn’t feel out of place in the late ’90s or early 2000s—bringing to mind the industrial grooves of Nine Inch Nails and Orgy. The song’s atmospheric bridge offers a breather before crashing back into its anthemic chorus.
“Starry Eyes” follows, and here Rainbow really steps up, delivering soaring vocals over riffs that channel some of Fear Factory’s industrial brutality. The Timekeeper and The Mechanic drive the track with precision, while a cheeky Mortal Kombat sample adds a dose of nostalgic fun without breaking the cinematic spell.
By the time we reach “OneZero,” the album has already established that it refuses to sit in just one lane. The orchestral intro conjures visions of gothic London before descending into pounding riffs and growls that showcase The Soulkeeper’s harsher side. This ability to pivot—between orchestral grandeur, industrial stomp, and nu-metal groove—is one of the band’s greatest strengths.
The record then changes gear with “Candy Cain Murder,” a slower, groove-based number built on crunchy riffs and clever harmonics. The Soulkeeper once again brings venom in the screams, ensuring the track doesn’t lose its bite. “All Your Zombies” then acts almost as a palate cleanser, with Rainbow taking the lead in a track that begins with piano and synths before building into a power ballad. It’s here that the band’s cinematic vision feels most realized, showing their ability to explore softer dynamics without losing their identity.
Things get a little rowdier with “Blood Shanty (No Hope)”—a pirate-themed, beer-chugging anthem that’s as fun as it is unexpected. It leans heavily into the band’s theatrical side, before “Empty Hands” pulls us back into more somber territory. Building gradually from ambiance into a rock-driven anthem, it showcases The Mechanic’s drumming versatility and keeps the energy flowing.
The title track “Achtung” brings things crashing back with industrial firepower. It’s a stomping, Rammstein-esque anthem full of swing and swagger, driven by riffs and chant-worthy breakdowns designed to get pits moving. Finally, the closer “Tik Tok (Darkness)” draws the curtain with a slow-burn orchestral build that’s beautifully crafted, though perhaps too restrained—it teases an explosive climax that never quite arrives, leaving the listener hanging in anticipation of what Curse of Cain will do next.
Overall, Achtung is a bold and ambitious album that shows a band continuing to refine and expand their unique style. Not every gamble pays off, and some moments lean a little too heavily on polish or repetition, but the highs more than make up for the lows. Tracks like Mirror Mirror, Starry Eyes, and Blood Shanty (No Hope) demonstrate just how engaging Curse of Cain can be when their cinematic world-building and dynamic songwriting align. Achtung is an immersive, engaging listen that proves this Swedish five-piece are more than just a gimmick—they’re carving out their own cinematic universe in the metal world.
Score: 7.5 / 10
For More Info Visit:
Website | https://curseofcain.se
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/curseofcainMusic
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Curseofcainofficial
X | https://x.com/curseofcainSWE
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@curseofcainband
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWjJd5gUkG0qLaxws595Hg
Curse Of Cain is:
The Pirate – Bass, Vocals
The Soulkeeper – Vocals
Rainbow – Percussions, Vocals
The Timekeeper – Guitar
The Mechanic – Drums
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