Gluttony have released their fourth album, Eulogy to Blasphemy, a true treat for fans of old-school death metal. Formed in 2009, this Swedish band had already released three albums, including Drogulus in 2022, which introduced me to their sound. This new album is available in digital format, on CD and as a 12" vinyl via the German label F.D.A. Records.
Right from the opening track, the Swedes set a dark and gloomy atmosphere, exuding a deeply malevolent aura. The tracks follow one another at a fast pace, punctuated by frequent tempo changes. The aesthetic is deeply rooted in old-school Swedish death metal. The guitars are sharp, whilst the drums dominate the soundscape with blasts and powerful hits. I’m particularly impressed by the drumming on tracks like Hung from Entrails. What’s more, the typical influences of Swedish death metal are clearly audible, particularly on the title track Eulogy to Blasphemy from 2:22 onwards. Also, the track A Face Devoured by Rats refers directly back to the genre’s roots.
The vocals are varied and nuanced, alternating between deep growls and shrill screams, as on All These Trees Are Gallows, which skilfully shifts between these two styles. I particularly enjoyed the vocal performance on Eulogy to Blasphemy from 3:00 onwards. The vocals also stand out on Awoken in Autopsy, with a growl right from the opening, followed at 2:03 by tormented screams that permeate the track’s sinister atmosphere. It is, however, on Threshold to Nonexistence that the vocals become most diabolical, particularly from 0:46 onwards, underpinned by relentless drumming in the background.
Among the standout moments, I’d single out Excoriation Thrall for its frenetic atmosphere and almost cinematic aesthetic. The title track, Eulogy to Blasphemy, makes a strong impression with its initial brutality, before subtly evolving into a sort of hellish ballad. Awoken in Autopsy also stands out for its frantic pace and sinister atmosphere. I also really enjoyed the introduction to Corpses Eating Corpses, particularly its high-pitched scream, and from 1:47 onwards, the track builds in intensity with a particularly distinctive ferocity.
To conclude this review, Eulogy to Blasphemy brings all the elements of authentic death metal that are deeply rooted in the genre’s aesthetic. It’s an album tailor-made for fans of the genre. As a fan of extreme metal, I’ve really enjoyed listening to it on repeat since its release. Without a doubt, it stands out as one of the most memorable death metal albums of the year.
