Evolution is only natural in all walks of life, even Death Metal, the genre has come a long way since its more thrash driven roots, expanding and changing, spawning a variety of different sub genres and even altering its very core. After all Old School Death Metal is tagged as such now because it is in itself now a sub genre, so that begs the question what is Death Metal?

Tomb Mold laid dormant, bubbling away in 2016 with two powerhouse but underground demos, then in 2017 the volcano erupted with Primordial Malignity an album that shook the world of Death Metal and made many aware of the bands presence. Since this time the band have slaved away writing for this their second full length release Manor Of Infinite Forms, put out through the ever reliable 20 Buck Spin.

First things first this album is massive, not in length but in strength. This endlessly cavernous masterpiece is highly riff driven with sturdy melodic moments creeping into the mix of total devastation. It’s really hard to pick a few stand-outs from this opus of perfection but the title track, Blood Mirror, Abysswalker and apocalyptic closer Two Worlds Become One are probably the biggest highlights. The thick nasty drum and bass combo lay down the foundations for gritty guitar riffs and guttural, vile vocals that have an Incantation vibe about them.

Going back to the question of what is Death Metal, this is it. Tomb Mold represent the form of modern Death Metal in the purest light, not stepping too much in the realms of Brutal Death Metal or Old School Death Metal they keep themselves on their own path delivering a sound to be enjoyed by all. It can be rare for Extreme Metal bands to actually exude a sense of uniqueness but Tomb Mold have got it.

To conclude Manor Of Infinite Forms may well be one of the strongest albums of the year a testament to Tomb Mold’s ongoing legacy and placing them at the forefront of underground modern Death Metal. Totally true in every aspect and not a touch lifeless, full of mysticism and might Tomb Mold can only gain more fans from here on out.

(9/10 George Caley)

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http://listen.20buckspin.com/album/manor-of-infinite-forms