Morbus Chron Sweven cover

Morbus Chron - Sweven

. . .

It had to happen, it needed to happen: a Swedish death metal band stood on the precipice, looked out at the rumbling sea of Entombed clones, and declared “no more.” Hyperbolic? Perhaps, but every trend reaches oversaturation at some point. Carcass clones, wanky tech-death, and NWOAHM all had their time in the sun; a few veteran bands from each respective scene still thrive today. However, when you’ve got everybody from hardcore bands to an entire metal label pushing D-beats and HM-2 tones, it gets old. Morbus Chron — along with countrymen Tribulation and Norwegian deathmongers Obliteration — started out as runners in the Entombed-a-thon, but within the last few years have taken a much different left-hand path.

With Sweven, Morbus Chron continues down a path of its own design. Fred Estby is again helming the control panel; his recent production work with In Solitude might have rubbed off on the band. Lovely acoustic guitar passages dot the album. Clear, catchy, and melodic riffs abound, especially on standout track “Ripening Life.” The sinister death metal edge hasn’t been dulled, but augmented by a psychedelic vibe that creeps through each song. It isn’t always apparent, but reveals itself overtly on “Towards A Dark Sky” and “The Perennial Link.” If anything, it gives the album a more ominous tone. You can’t quite predict what waits around each corner.

Lest you think Morbus Chron has totally abandoned their influences, “Chains” and “Aurora In The Offing” are pure Entombed/Autopsy fury. Reverbed guitars and vocals from beyond the grave remind the listener that this is still a death metal record at its filthy, blackened heart. Still, the last two tracks may hint at a possible direction for the band’s future. “Beyond Life’s Sealed Abode” begins with over two minutes of melodious guitar reminiscent of classic NWOBHM before the vocals kick in; if it wasn’t for some minor-key chord progressions towards the end, it wouldn’t be a death metal song at all. Instrumental “Terminus” ends Sweven on an interesting note. The twin guitars create words of their own, evoking emotions from sadness and hopelessness to determination and strength. It’s powerful and memorable, two adjectives that continue to fit Morbus Chron well.

Sweven is on sale now via Century Media Records.

— Chris Rowella

. . .

. . .