The Swedish band Vomitory needs no introduction. The band has been a leading force on the Nordic and worldwide death metal scene since 1989. I discovered the band when I was in high school through albums such as Revelation Nausea and Raped in Their Own Blood. It was one of my first experiences of violent, relentless death metal. Almost 40 years on, the band continues in the same vein, offering their fans authentic and sincere albums. Their latest release is In Death Throes, out this year on Metal Blade Records.
In Death Throes is an album of 37 minutes and 10 seconds featuring ten tracks. From the very first track, Rapture in Rupture, the Vomitory sound is apparent: fast and violent death metal. Frequent changes in tempo add nuance to the album’s structure. The band incorporates guitar solos into their compositions (demonstrating a maturity in their execution). Generally the soundscape is chaotic and comes across perfectly on tracks such as In Death Throes. Sound effects such as the machete on the track Two and a Half Men add to the gore aspect that the band has specialised in for almost 40 years.
The guitars kick off with fast-paced rhythms whilst offering a certain variety. Some parts of the album are less fast-paced than others, yet remain aggressive. These chainsaw-like guitar sounds maintain the same intensity throughout every track. On The Zombie War General, from 2:18 onwards, there is a short, striking guitar solo (my favourite). The drums make their presence felt through well-executed blast beats. The most striking examples can be found on tracks such as For Gore and Country, Wrath Unbound and Two and a Half Men.
The vocals are furious and delivered through deep growls. Among the album’s finest vocal performances is the growl starting at 2:18 on Forever Scorned, one of the deepest on the record. Furthermore, on the track In Death Throes, the vocals showcase their most brutal and aggressive side.
Among the moments I particularly enjoyed is the transition that kicks in on For Gore and Country from 2:19 onwards. For me, Forever Scorned is one of the album’s standout tracks, and I really liked the atmosphere that builds from 2:02. I also really enjoyed the title track, In Death Throes, for its direct, violent and cutting edge. Then there’s Two and a Half Men, a track that never lets up and makes you want to headbang.
On In Death Throes, the Swedish band doesn't try to modernise their sound; instead, they offer their fans and worshippers of death metal an excellent, old-school death metal album. I'm really pleased that the album has lived up to my expectations. I've been a fan of Vomitory for years, and with every new release, I'm never disappointed.
