WOMBBATH: DOWNFALL RISING

WOMBBATH: DOWNFALL RISING

   Downfall rising is the second full-length album from undisputed Swedish old-school Death-Metal Kings, Wombbath. A phenomenal effort, Downfall Rising was the first full-length offered by the band since their timeless and seminal musical gem 22 years previously, Internal Caustic Torments. Like many bands of their ilk, Wombbath experimentally dabbled with the Death 'n' Roll styles also explored by the likes of Entombed and Carcass during the mid to late 1990's. Much to many fans delight, Downfall Rising sees all traces of Death 'n' Roll vanquished, with only the purest and most wholesome Death-Metal in it's stead.

   If ever you needed a reminder of what old-school Scandinavian Death-Metal should sound like, then "Under Apokalypsens Svarta Vingar" is the perfect educational material. All the essential characteristics are present; buzzsaw riffs oozing with grimy, Doomy vibes, thundering bass and punishing percussion, not to mention bucket-loads of incredible death-growls. To add to the appeal, the guitar leads and solos have a rather tasteful Heartwork-era Carcass resemblance to them. 

   Darkness and heaviness has rarely worked together more harmoniously than on "Underneath The Rotten Soil". From the bestial guttural growls that commence it, to the blasting drums and blistering intensity of the guitars, this track is flawless, delivered with a cuttingly clean crisp sound and also paying homage to the legendary tones of Dismember.  

   More than a little reminiscent of Bloodbath both vocally and musically, "I Am The Abyss" would feel right at home on The Fathomless Mastery, but is also distinctly branded with Wombbath's invigorating new sound and laden with glorious tides of melodic riffs and vocal mastery.        

   "Fall Of The Weak" is home to some of "those" riffs, the kind of riffs that are so powerful and utterly crushing that they can either completely overshadow the rest of the album, or make it a fan favourite classic. The longest track on the album is also one of the best, following a beautifully calming introduction the song charges with immense speed, melodic leads and as previously mentioned, riffs so gritty, menacing and highly Asphyx-esque Death-Doom in nature it is impossible to resist spontaneous heading.

   "Pain In Blood" is a splintering surge of speed, shredding buzzsaw riffs and incredibly powerful, frighteningly furious vocals. In comparison to much of the rest of the album, this track is considerably faster, omitting the Doom elements and instead Thrashing in classic Merciless and Master fashion.     

   Overall, old-school Death-Metal has been done and done again more times than it is worth counting, but that is hardly the point. Wombbath are a brilliant band and Downfall Rising reinforces their rite to legendary status. Although the album is a massively far cry from the epic Internal Caustic Torments and much of their back catalogue, it is strong and bold enough to stand for itself and be viewed on it's own merit. If you like your Death-Metal well produced, filthy, uncomplicated and excellently composed, then this is the album for you.   

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DOWNFALL RISING is available through PULVERISED RECORDS

Listen to the full album stream HERE