Ethereal - Demo '07
Self-Released
2007
“Swedish” and “death metal” go together like “Swiss” and “chocolate.” That’s true for Ethereal, which sounds neither like its name nor the signature style of its Gothenburg area home. Instead, this band does straight-up death metal that balances simplicity and technicality.
What jumps out immediately is the band’s tightness. The performances are surgical, with production on a par with professionally recorded albums. Atypically for metal, bass lines are warm and audible. The best song, “Open Wound Salvation,” comes first – a good move for a demo. It’s a catchy headbanger with a few technical runs for color. “What Is Worst?” does likewise, with a solid feel that recalls Kataklysm or Bolt Thrower. “Driven by Hatred” has chugging riffs that do that half-time Behemoth “Conquer All” thing, with precise machine gun bursts near the end.
No reinventing the wheel here – just well-done death metal with well-done artwork and a strong sense of purpose overall.
