Known for its volcanic landscapes and northern lights, Iceland also hides a musical treasure trove that is often overlooked. Iceland has a surprisingly dynamic and prolific metal music scene. Among its many sub-genres, death metal occupies pride of place, with bands that have constantly pushed the limits of the extreme. Today, we're going to delve into the sonic universe of three must-listen albums of Icelandic Death Metal.
1. "Enslaved by Fear" by Beneath
Unleashed in 2012 via Unique Leader Records, Eslaved by Fear is the debut album from Icelandic death metal band Beneath. This nine-track opus immerses listeners in a dark, brutal sonic universe characteristic of the technical/brutal death metal genre. Standout tracks include As Gods Walk the Earth, which opens the album with a ferocious charge, Lies of the Dead, and Bloodlust, which demonstrate the band's technical mastery.
2. "Song of Decomposition'' by Severed (EP)
Songs of Decomposition, released in 2016 in digital format only, is the debut EP by Icelandic death metal band Severed (formerly known as Severed Crotch). consisting of five tracks, this opus offers a plunge into a dark and brutal sonic universe, presenting a modern death metal. the riffs are sharp, devastating blast beats and guttural vocals create an oppressive and threatening atmosphere.
3. "Screaming From The Grave" by Narthraal
Screaming From The Grave, released in 2017 via the Finnish lanel Inverse Records, is the debut album by Icelandic death metal band Narthraal. The ten-track record pays homage to the genre's pioneers, such as Entombed and Dismember, offering brutal, no-nonsense death metal. The tracks follow one another at a frenetic pace, exploring the different facets of old-school death metal, from the primitive violence of tracks as Screaming From The Grave to the gloomy, unhealthy melodies of Descent into Darkness. this album doesn't revolutionize the genre, but it masters it to perfection. Narthraal delivers a raw, intense and authentic album.
