It has been an interesting few weeks with new albums from all of the original masters of Swedish death metal. ‘Grave’ also one of the forefathers of the style/movement are set to release their 8th Album (hence the album title I guess), their 1st for Regain Records since they signed to the label in December 2007. Their previous album ‘As Rapture Comes’ was a stunning return to form following one hit or miss release, this new CD expands even further the quality of ‘Grave’. The band, now a 3-piece, has influenced hundreds if not thousands of bands. On this their latest outing, their status is justifiable and earns them the right to be heralded as one of the “masters of death”.
The first thing you notice is the bass production; it is very “beefy” and right up there in the mix. There is nothing that will surprise you on this CD, you would not expect that. These guys take the “if it aint broke, don’t fix it” approach, and boy does this sound good! From the opening track ‘A World In Darkness’, new drummer Ronnie Bergerståhl (ex-‘Centinex’) proves he has got all the credentials for this seminal outfit.
There are trademark riffs and solos in abundance, there is no need to go into further detail, if you know this band, you know what to expect. Ola Lindgren’s gruff vocals are as consistent as ever. ‘Fallen (Angel Son)’ and ‘Annihilated God’ are great tunes, song structures are perfect and nothing would make you waiver from liking these.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that these guys are now a 3-piece band that the sound will struggle in the live arena, far from it; on previous live show outings they have proved that they don’t really need that additional 4th member to accomplish total supremacy!
As expected, the album is technically perfect and brutal in delivery. Particular outstanding tracks come towards the latter part of the CD. ‘Dark Signs’ and ‘8th Dominion’ are cracking tunes; anyone’s speakers will be sweating through the workout after playing these babies.
Once again, one of the original purveyors of all things death metal show us all how it is done. A definite must buy album.
http://www.grave.se
http://www.myspace.com/gravespace
www.myspace.com/gravepromo
www.regainrecords.com
