Repulsive Mass, a Swedish one-man band launched in 2021, whose first demo, Conjure Apocalyptic Pestilence, I experienced for myself. Initially released in digital format, it was quickly reissued by Portuguese label Brutal Cave Production as a limited edition CD of 100 copies (according to Metal Archive)
From the very first seconds, a loud intro sets the scene: we're in the depths of dark, merciless death metal. The old-school Swedish influences - those of Dismember, Entombed and Grave - are felt at every turn. Monolith of Blasphemy. This track immediately grabbed me with its raw power. The drums are relentless, pounding out a frenetic rhythm, before slowing down to create calmer but still oppressive passages. I particularly liked the way the visceral growls and the furtive melodies blend together, adding a certain nuance to the sonic chaos.
The title track, Conjure Apocalyptic Pestilence, is even more striking. Longer, more complex, it opens with dominant drums and a rhythm that alternates between crushing speed and crushing loudness. This is where I felt the bass stood out more, underpinning an even more oppressive atmosphere. Black metal influences emerge here and there, whether in the chilling melodies or in the more piercing screams that add to the deep growls. This track is the highlight of the demo: it shows the ambition of the project and the musician's ability to master several facets of death metal.
Finally, Hell Knight Arise concludes this journey into darkness with a similar approach: a balance between raw violence and more measured moments. I enjoyed the changes of pace, which kept the dynamic constant while remaining true to the dark, suffocating aura that runs through the demo.
No more words, now I'm going to let you listen to this demo