SEPULCHRAL CURSE
SEPULCHRAL CURSE "Abhorrent Dimensions"
BY Dr. Abner Mality
The previous album from these guys was one of the best death metal platters of 2020. I'm happy to say the follow-up matches the high standard set by "Only Ashes Remain"...meaning this is one sick piece of plastic but also full of interesting twists.
Much like their previous material, the death metal of SEPULCHRAL CURSE combines several different strains of extremity to surprising effect. Many songs start with raw morbid power but then toss in elements that take the track in a different direction. Take "Stagnant Waters" for example...this opens up with full throttle sickness in classic Finnish death metal tradition. But then listen to the elegantly melodic guitar solo in the mid-section, which hints at a different side of the band. It's a striking effect.
Such divergences pop up frequently but never sound forced or out of place. "Burial of Souls" attacks with the brutality of old GRAVE but breaks for a soothing mid-section before ending with mournful melody. The best riff of the year kicks off "Through Abhorrent Dimensions"...this one could flatten whole cities...and accelerates into a death metal cyclone. "Graveyard Lanterns" remains gloomy and doomy all the way through, with more excellent guitar soloing.
Make no mistake, this is sick stuff that appeal to fans of classic Swedish and Finnish death metal. But it's to SEPULCHRAL CURSE's credit that they are more than just that as well. A top notch band.