The title for this album isn’t a reference to The World’s End pub in Camden, the only shadow there is the dark gloom that takes over your face when you see the bill. No, this album is another little bite from Sweden and Swedish Death Metal ensemble Revolting. The Swedish scene and sound are renowned the world over, and quite possibly it may just be the most easily recognisable tone from any Death Metal scene. For good reason too, it’s a diverse sound that can be both melodic or Thrash/ Punk dashed, but can this band bring the heat?
The Shadow At The World’s End is the bands seventh full length album since their inception back in 2008, that’s quite a commendable output I must say. That said it is the first release that has been picked up by the mighty and often well received Transcending Obscurity Records, a fine label indeed. Although is being noticed seven albums in a plus or a minus? I guess that’s what I’m here to tell you. Can we expect a full Metal assault or a lacklustre try hard performance?
Kicking things off in true SweDeath fashion is Defleshed. Big bold riffs, melodic portions, pummelling drums and guttural OSDM vocals. All of which is topped off by that marvellous crunchy, fuzzy guitar tone we know and love from Swedish Death Metal. With sluggish might comes 1888 next, I love the slow riffs in this memorable number. Very headbangable and powerful OSDM that is sure to please fans both new and old. The title track provides more SweDeath mastery. In any other year this would be a high ranking album but I think we’ve been so spoilt that this is simply just another strong Death Metal album. Obviously that isn’t to the detriment of the music within.
At the crossing of the album we have Daggers That Mimic Life’s Pain, this is another crushing blow that is sure to please any OSDM fan. That said it’s nothing we haven’t heard before, both on this album and prior artists, but then again this music is kind of all about worship. I’m a big fan of the melodic riffs used throughout the album though, they have a very authentic and classic tone to them, one that is Death Metal that is melodic rather than Melodic Death Metal if that makes sense. To The Bitter Bleeding End is a prime example of this riff usage, an excellent track all round. Closing the album is Revolted By Life Itself, it’s a strong albeit a standard end to an album full of no frills and a ton of worship.
There is no way that The Shadow At The World’s End is a bad album, quite the opposite, it’s a very good album. That said, from the perspective of a ground down reviewer such as myself I cannot attest that it is the best this year has had to offer in the realms of Death Metal. If this is one of the few Death Metal records you’ve heard this year then it’s sure to make an impact, but keep in mind that there is better out there. Overall a strong album with the right idea, however perhaps a little late in the game to be truly striking.
(7/10 George Caley)
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