| CD REVIEW Demonical |
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Band: Demonical Demonical were formed about five years ago by former Centinex-members Johan Jansson (g; initially he did the vocals as well) (member in e.g. Regurgitate, Interment and Moondark), Martin Schulman (b) (also in Interment), and Ronnie Bergerståhl (d) (of Mynjun- and World Below-fame, formerly also in Amaran). After signing to Cyclone Empire, the band recorded two full lengths, Servants Of The Unlight (2007), with former grunter Ludvig Engelau, and Hellsworn (2009; review still available; see update August 23rd 2009), this time with new ‘singer’ Sverker Widgren. The latter is especially known for his studio work with bands like Machinery, Setherial, Withershin or Lightning Swords Of Death. He’s active at the famous Necromorbus Studio as well, the studio where Demonical did record almost all former material (their 2006-promo-MCD included). This third full length, Death Infernal, follows the same direction of all former recordings. And that’s the right way! Hurray! Indeed, Death Infernal brings the same kind of Old School Death Superiority like Servants Of The Unlight and Hellsworn. Death Infernal is a beast again, a barbaric and demonic assault from the highest order. My enthusiasm about both former full lengths wasn’t a psychic error, because this time the quartet returns even stronger. All right, we’ve heard it before, or at least it could have been done before, but I wonder whether it would be as professional and convincing. This is Retro with a capital R. What strikes me is the energetic driving force. This powerful sounds translates Death Infernal into an excellently performed Death-monster, based on massive killer riffs, concrete and raspy yet enormously deep grunts, and a colossal rhythm section. In spite of the brutal approach, Demonical succeed to add a melodic touch, which make the recording epic on top of it. Most of the time, the tempo is pretty fast, giving the album an infernal and agitated touch of warlust. More than once the band decelerates, adding a tinge of gloom and enigmatic grimness. The album comes in two versions (LP and CD) with a limited edition, containing two bonus tracks, among which the Emperor-cover "Night Of The Graveless Souls". 90/100 Ivan Tibos. |