Danish death metal veterans Undergang return from the crypt with a new mini-album, “De syv stadier af fordærv” (The Seven Stages of Corruption). This vicious offering delivers a potent blend of pummeling riffs, guttural growls, and a bleak atmosphere that perfectly captures the album’s title. Let’s delve into this sonic abyss track by track and see if Undergang drags us kicking and screaming into a vortex of aural brutality or leaves us wanting more.
Track-by-Track Descent into Depravity:
- Introit (Intro): The album opens with an ominous instrumental intro. Distant, dissonant guitar chords and chilling atmospherics set the stage for the sonic assault to come. This intro seamlessly bleeds into the title track.
- De syv stadier af fordærv (The Seven Stages of Corruption): The title track explodes with a blast of pure sonic violence. Breakneck tempos, crushing riffs, and Steffen Steffensen’s inhuman growls paint a picture of utter despair. The lyrics, presumably exploring the descent into corruption, are delivered with a raw and visceral intensity.
- Blodoffer (Blood Offering): A brief moment of respite emerges here. The tempo slows to a crawl, but the atmosphere remains oppressive. Distorted guitars churn with a sense of dread, while Steffensen’s vocals take on a more cavernous quality. This track builds tension before erupting back into a maelstrom of death metal fury.
- I dødens favn (In the Arms of Death): The album returns to a more aggressive approach. This track throws in a touch of melody amidst the chaos. A mid-tempo groove emerges, punctuated by bursts of blast beats and tremolo-picked riffs. The lyrics, presumably exploring the inevitability of death, add a layer of philosophical depth to the relentless brutality.
- Slaget på heden (The Battle on the Heath): This track injects a shot of pure aggression. Breakneck tempos, pummeling drums, and a chaotic guitar solo create a sense of overwhelming power. The lyrics, possibly referencing a historical battle, add a touch of grim grandeur to the proceedings.
- Evig fortabelse (Eternal Damnation): The album closes with a monstrous finale. This track is a slow-burning behemoth, showcasing the band’s ability to create a crushing atmosphere without relying solely on speed. Layered guitars and guttural growls weave a tapestry of pure desolation, leaving the listener feeling utterly hopeless.
Verdict: 4 out of 5
“De syv stadier af fordærv” is a relentless and rewarding listen for fans of old-school death metal. The album captures the raw energy and aggression of the genre’s early days, while offering enough modern touches to keep things fresh. The songwriting is focused, with each track contributing to the overall theme of corruption and decay. The musicianship is top-notch, and the production is suitably raw and lo-fi, perfectly capturing the band’s filthy sound.
A minor point to consider: Listeners accustomed to the more technical and polished production of modern death metal might find “De syv stadier af fordærv” a bit rough around the edges. The relentless brutality could also be fatiguing for some.
However, for those seeking a pure and unadulterated dose of death metal fury, “De syv stadier af fordærv” delivers in spades. Undergang proves that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Danish extreme metal scene. This mini-album is a vicious and satisfying descent into depravity, a must-listen for fans of the genre.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert
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