Norwegian death metallers Zeenon are the clear evidence that Norway is a lot more than just black metal and power metal. Their new demo Arbor Vitae is a fierce and aggressive manifest that should convince even the hardest sceptics.

The music on Arbor Vitae is pretty hard to proper categorize 'cause Zeenon draw on a variety of influences ranging from Meshuggah to Morbid Angel. But basically it's what I would describe it as being groovy death metal. Linn Pedersen's gut-ripping and aggressive vocals suit the music perfectly pushing the aggressive and yet groovy guitar and bass work of Linda Aurland and Elin Henden even further. All this is completed by the heavy and crushing pounding by drummer Mads Gulbekkhei. Arbor Vitae is a very convincing effort however a small minus about the songs is the lack of solos which unfortunately seems a bit to obvious. But apart from the missing solos there's really nothing to point fingers at.

Arbor Vitae is a release that shows a band with some serious potential and skill. I'm not sure if this demo will secure them a deal but at least it ought to provide them with some well deserved attention.