Soilwork

On The Early Chapters EP -- containing five, previously rare tracks drawn from Japanese editions and tribute albums -- Swedish melodic death metal throng Soilwork take a break from their relentless recording and touring schedules (five albums in six years, kids!) in order to say "thanks" to their devoted fans. "Disintegrated Skies" and "Shadow Child" are both quite impressive band originals, and they fit right in with a live rendition of the oddly named "Aardvark Trail." Soilwork's cover of Mercyful Fate's latter-day staple "Egypt" is entertaining enough, and, proving they won't do anything half-assed, the group employs both a backup singer and a Hammond organ on their energetic cover of Deep Purple's MKIII classic "Burn." Only two gripes: first, tracks three and four are mislabeled in the CD packaging; and two, why not include additional rarities such as "Asylum Dance" and "Mystery Child?" ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide