Necrophobic - Death to All
 |
20 years old, Necrophobic are stronger than ever. They have finally recovered from the departure of founding member David Parland. The guitarist wrote much of the band’s classic first two records. Replacing him has had mixed results. The turn of the millennium saw a descent into mediocrity, while 2006’s Hrimthursum flourished with color and atmosphere.
Death to All (Regain, 2009) continues Hrimthursum‘s hot streak. The production remains dense yet clear, but the album is shorter and more focused. More importantly, the band’s aggression remains intact. It amplifies Slayer-style thrash with majestic melodies — see the stirring close to “Revelation 666.” The result feels uniquely Swedish. Necrophobic share sonic and personnel connections with Nifelheim, Dissection, and Dismember. But they straddle more firmly the line between black and death metal. Death to All wields the former’s atmosphere and the latter’s power with graceful heft.
Buy:
Amazon (CD)
Regain (MP3)
Interpunk (CD)
Necrophobic (CD)
