| CD REVIEW Grave |
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Band: Grave I don’t need to introduce legendary band Grave, of course. This Swedish Death Metal formation was formed at the end of the eighties and since then they have influenced and inspired hundreds of bands, not only in their home country, yet all over the world. It was the case back then and it still is the case. And even though the members don’t get younger (you bunch of grumpy old men), their energy and Willenskraft is remarkable! On their new label Regain Records, which has a leading position within the (Swedish) Death / Black Metal scene, they release their newest piece of art, Burial Ground. And believe me, this is: waw! Burial Ground stands for overpowering, pounding and no-nonsense Old Skool Death Metal with a firm groove and straight-ahead mentality. It might be some logical continuation of any former recording, but why changing a winning concept? In case a band improves itself time after time, staying true to the roots is much more than just an easy way to avoid progression and evolution. All tracks are monumental, gargantuan, supreme, no matter if it’s fast or slow. Without being epic in its Viking-defined existence, the melodies are glorious and victorious. As well do these hymnic compositions come with a rather rough, abyssal sound, poisoning the whole with morbid, sadistic venomous spheres. What strikes me a lot is this: more than once, when listening to certain (splendid) riffs, Bolt Thrower comes to mind. This goes for both the spirit / atmosphere behind it, as well as for the performance itself. Both mentally and physically satisfying, of course, for mixing their own superiority with elements from another masterly entity… Synthesis: another !!!-ish Grave album. 90/100 Ivan Tibos. |