Swedish death metal veterans Vomitory returned in 2023 with a vengeance, unleashing their first full-length album in twelve years, “All Heads Are Gonna Roll.” This aptly titled record serves as a brutal reminder of the band’s prowess, delivering a pummeling dose of classic Swedeath with a few sinister twists.
Vomitory doesn’t stray far from their established formula here. Fans will be greeted by Erik Rundqvist’s characteristically guttural roar and a relentless barrage of blast beats courtesy of drummer Tobias Gustafsson. The guitar work from Urban Gustafsson and Peter Östlund is a masterclass in shredding, weaving intricate riffs that are both technically impressive and undeniably catchy.
The album wastes no time in establishing its dominance. The title track explodes from the speakers, setting the tone for an album that never lets up. Tracks like “Decrowned” and “Disciples of the Damned” showcase Vomitory’s knack for crafting memorable death metal anthems, while “Ode to the Meat Saw” offers a touch of melodic darkness.
“All Heads Are Gonna Roll” isn’t all sonic warfare though. There are moments of surprising nuance. The haunting acoustic intro to “The Deepest Tomb” provides a chilling contrast to the brutality that follows, while “Dead Man Stalking” injects a dose of thrashy energy.
Some might criticize the album’s adherence to a familiar formula. However, for those yearning for a potent dose of old-school death metal, “All Heads Are Gonna Roll” delivers in spades. Vomitory proves that they haven’t lost a step in their time away, reminding us why they remain a revered name in the genre.
Highlights: “All Heads Are Gonna Roll,” “Decrowned,” “Ode to the Meat Saw”
Overall: A triumphant return to form for a legendary death metal band. “All Heads Are Gonna Roll” is a must-listen for fans of the genre and a worthy addition to Vomitory’s impressive discography.
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