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September 7, 2008 |
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01. Last Journey
02. Reborn
03. Awakening
04. Breeder
05. Trial By Fire
06. Out Of The Light
07. Inner Voice
08. Bloodfeast
09. Heretic
10. Burial At Sea (Bonus Track)
11. Autopsied (Re-recorded) (Bonus Track)
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Swedish death metal titans GRAVE have been masters of their trade since their inception over thirteen years ago. With their vicious brand of "old school" style death metal, they have recruited a massive legion of fans worldwide, and have influenced a number of other bands that share the same space in this genre. Just two years ago, the band re-surfaced with their first album in six years, "Back To The Grave", which saw the addition of two new members to the fold (original bass player Jonas Torndal now manning the axe and Fredrik Isaksson on bass). Now, two years later, GRAVE have returned from the depths once again with their brand new sixth studio album, "Fiendish Regression", and the world will never be the same.
Traditionally recording at Sunlight Studios in Stockholm, this time around the band entered Abyss Studios (AMON AMARTH, HYPOCRISY) where they joined forces with the producing team of brothers Tommy (MARDUK, THE FORSAKEN) and Peter Tägtgren (DIMMU BORGIR, IMMORTAL). The result of the combined effort is frighteningly good. Simply put, "Fiendish Regression" is a Swedish death metal masterpiece written in stone. The songs are filled with a barrage of endless brutality, unrelenting aggression and skull-crushing savagery. This album is definitely not for the weak, so consider yourself forewarned. You will be crushed where you stand.
With one swift, heavy blow, the onslaught begins with "Last Journey", a bone-chilling song with a slow, very SLAYER-influenced intro, which builds into a steamrolling symphony of pure destruction and dismay. The combination of the ripping guitars, brutal vocals and thunderous drumming by new skinsman Pelle Ekegren give it a very aggressive sound mixed with a touch of melodic elements. Crossing right into the next track, "Reborn" spills immediately into a fast-paced throat-grabbing attack. The song is about a vampire's victim and the vigor he finds in transforming into the beast he becomes. This is definitely one of the best tracks on the CD.
"Awakening" and "Breeder" are two eerie-sounding songs with a nice mixture of crunching riffs and pile-driving speed. Ola Lindren's unearthly growls and screams are just killer, and add real depth to the sheer aggression of the songs. "Heretic" starts out with a nice pounding riff before sliding into a ferocious battle of crushing guitars, slamming drums and demonic vocals. The guitar solo in this one sounds quit a bit like something you would find on either a SLAYER or DEATH album. Very nice indeed! Other highlights include "Out Of The Light", and "Trial By Fire".
As much as offering points of constructive criticism can add to the substance of a review, I can honestly tell you that there really is not one bad song on this disc. Thus, I cannot be critical of this album, because it is that good! The music on the album differs from "Back To The Grave" in a sense that the songs are more varied and less of the same tempo throughout. The songs have a lot more speed and time changes between them, and the overall sound just makes them that much more appealing to listen to. The band have really outdone themselves here and I think they have done an excellent job of achieving the sound they set out to create.
Of course, when you have two extraordinary producers like the Tägtgren brothers involved in a recording, the outcome is sure to be second-to-none.
Well, people, this is one outstanding achievement to behold. "Fiendish Regression" carries the strength of a thousand centuries and is a lesson in Swedish death metal we all must learn. If you want an album that will keep you awake both day and night, and maybe even during the wee hours of the morning, I highly recommend this impressive new offering from GRAVE! I doubt it will disappoint you.
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