With the nineties’ death metal scene in Sweden being one of the more overcrowded genres of times past, Centinex were still a force to be reckoned with and after an eight year silence, the band are back with an album that is refreshing in the most rotten of ways.
After disbanding in 2006, bassist Martin Schulman and guitarist Sverker Widgren went on to form another name you may recognise, Demonical but the comeback seems worth it and will prove a pleasant nostalgia kick for many old school fans. ‘Redeeming Filth’, the ninth full length from the Swedes, does exactly what it says on the tin, redeeming both filth and faith in the genre plagued with meaningless releases.
Pummelling from the word go, the quartet open with ‘When Bodies Are Deformed’, which initiates the listener into a speedy affair with the expected d-beats and chainsaw guitars but Centinex do it with only a nod to their peers, not a full blown imitation. Several tracks follow a similar format through ‘Redeeming Filth’, and original drummer Kennet Englund proves he hasn’t lost his touch with a consistent blasting to the ear drums, particularly on closer ‘Eye Sockets Empty’ and ‘Death Glance’. The midriff of the album is when the death metal really comes into its own, with less tempo and more effortless brutality in a similar pulsing vein to the likes of Asphyx or Demigod. The slower chug of ‘Unrestrained’ brings out Alexander Hogbom’s barks more than ever, whilst ‘Moist Purple Skin’s grooves from the grave are bound are bound to be a fan favourite with riffs you’ll find yourself humming hours later.
The band recently promised this album would take fans back to their 1992 debut ‘Subconscious Lobotomy’ and they weren’t lying, as they crush any fads that may have appeared in the mean time with a production that only slightly brings it into to the 21st century. After such a long hiatus, it’s a risky move returning full pelt with a new album but when it’s as heavy as ‘Redeeming Filth’, Centinex deserve their place back up there with the big names, proving they still kill the old school way.
(7.5/10 Lily Randall)
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