Sentenced was formed in Oulu, Finland, back in 1989. The founding members were Miika Tenkula, Sami Lopakka and Vesa Ranta. At this point in time they were playing pure European death metal. But the band has progressed and changed styles a lot. First they became a melodic death metal band, but when original vocalist Taneli Jarva left in 1996, they once again changed to an even more melodic band, with clean vocals. Nowadays they play a dark, melancholic hybrid of hard-rock and metal.

DOWN (1996) CENTURY MEDIA

I believe it was on the last show of MTV's Headbanger's Ball that I became aware of 2 new bands. One was In Flames, and the other band was Sentenced. The song was called "Noose". The next payday I took my wallet and walked into the local music-shop. But back then metal was not the big thing, and they had not even heard of any of these bands. So I had to order the albums. But finally they managed to get me the albums, and I was a happy man. This album is the bands 4th, I think. But it is also the album that sets off Sentenced mark III. Gone is the death metal from the past, and the growling is replaced with clean, raspy vocals. The lyrics are depressing, and it is also this melancholic vibe that has made this band what they are today. Because Sentenced are now in the big league. I wonder if this is a Finnish phenomenon, because the only other band that comes to my mind to compare Sentenced to, are Am I Blood.

Killer tracks: Noose, Keep My Grave Open, Crumbling Down (Give Up Hope)

FROZEN (1998) CENTURY MEDIA

Because I enjoyed 'Down' so much I bought this album immediately after its release. But this time around I could not so easily get into the music. I don't know what is wrong, but I just can't find songs that appeal to me, like they did on the previous album. The style is the same, and so is the line-up. Maybe they rushed this album a bit? 

Killer tracks: Grave Sweet Grave