Last years ‘Deathevokation’ debut from German death metallers Revel In Flesh was a cool effort in the Swedeath styled sound. Far from them being overtly observed as a tribute band, Revel In Flesh have a modern momentum based on a classic sound which is solidified further on this sophomore effort ‘Manifested Darkness’. Making no bones about their obvious influences, this band have had more than not created a nod to Swedish multi-musician Rogga Johansson and his Demiurg project. The sound is quite similar; we still have a crushing guitar sound and a thunderous drumming technique and sound on display, the latter being defined by its producer and studio, one Dan Swanö and his Unisound studio. You can tell it is his mix, you can tell the sound you hear, whilst I originally thought it was business as usual, whilst I play again on a different sound system I inevitably get a cool appreciation of this brutal sound. The songs themselves show singer Haubersson developing his style and coming into his own. There is much more power and more projection in the vocal sounds that are laid to waste; the guitars are as expected and as we all want them though surely right?
‘Deathmarch’ begins with some windswept sounds that sets an atmosphere, you are duly awoken when it all begins, albeit slowly. It is this slow start the provides immense power, subtle groove and a comforting result as you delve much further into this track and RIF’s energy. ‘Warmaster’ picks up the pace in the bass sound and tempo, the amount of sustain in the guitars is really thick and meaty, the sound is a well done steak just ripe for carving into with your gnarly teeth and devouring. The fact that the sound is more modern with a classic tone is pleasing, some bands go back to the beginnings of this genre and recreate a demo recording, ‘Manifested Darkness’ on the whole is a professional job make no mistake about it. One other familiar factor in this release is the return of artist Juanjo Castellano whom has again created a rather special piece of art full of colour. Backed with tracks such as ‚Operation Citadel‘ the deep dank sound is encapsulated and realised by its full potential. On the more up tempo tracks you do miss a few things with the trailing sustain that i mentioned below, but in the slower tracks, yes, this is a rejoicing sound for and old rotten death metal soul.
Returning with a developed modern approach to a classic style, Revel In Flesh have the ability to take their music much further and that does not necessarily mean constant touring, although they are getting some major festival appearances added this year which can only mean good things for this band. This album will sit well with followers of a refreshed classic sound and ‚Manifested Darkness‘ lives up to its title by being throughly hard hitting, resulting in bone trembling filth and fury and this is a great place to reside in all honesty.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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