My Own Grave
Necrology
7.7
After 2007's stout little Unholy EP, I was looking forward to the second full length album from this Swedish act who meld old school Swedish death metal with a bit of modern neo thrash and come up with a tight, efficient and well done set of tracks, though not likely to blow anyone away.
Part of the problem with My Own Grave’s solid but unspectacular sound is that their mix of genres is liable to leave fans of each genre wanting more. The Stockholm death metal element is delivered in deeper vocals of Mikael Aronsson, the robust guitar tone and some of the structures ("Age of Torment", "Carnal Revelations"), but it's never a full on Bloodbath/Evocation throwback, as the modern thrash element is also present in spades with short direct tracks, punchy modern riffs and melodies, and a sort of Dew Scented/Carnal Forge on steroids pacing (i.e. “Cerecloth”) that may put some of the pure old schoolers off craving something a little more developed and atmospheric. Still, that’s me being rather nit picky, as on the whole, Necrology is an album you just hit play on and let it runs its course. There are no real wow or standout tracks, just 9 (plus an intro) songs that rumble and blast with plenty of heft and confidence.
As with Unholy, at their most blistering, there is a bit of a Vader influence here and there as heard on the likes of “Incineration”, “Hail the Blind” and “None Shall See,” but for the most part, the band is steady and solid throughout, even if none of the tracks cried out to be replayed. Burly bludgeoning numbers like “Disciples of War” and arguable standout “Bloodline Broken” remind of bands other Swedish bands like Centinex, Nominon, Absorbed and more recently, Sanctification's debut; solid consistent second tier bands that deliver the goods but are just a little bit short of being considered elite, though definitely enjoyable. As is stands though, I’m far more likely to return to As You Drown’s Reflection for my fix of new, modernized Swedish death metal in 2009.
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My Own GraveUnholy
3/31/2007