« Burial Ground«
2014
Consistently releasing albums since their first demo in 1985, France’s LOUDBLAST have run the gambit of classic albums (« Sublime Dementia« , 1993) to albums that slightly missed their mark (« Fragments« , 1998). Although, being such a reputable Death Metal act, the foursome is back with a vengeance in this year’s « Burial Ground« , an album set on returning the group to former glories.
Quickly setting the mood and pace, opener « A Bloody Oath » wastes no time in its urgency utilizing a crisp production and cascading riffs that run from fast to slow, churning menace! « Darkness Will Abide » leads from a wild solo to a catchy driven onslaught to punchy effect. Varying the momentum, « Ascending Straight in Circles » sees the band blend nice transitional passages and ample crunch while highlight, « Soothing Torments » is one of the few numbers that slows things down to incorporate a sizeable groove, something most Swedish Death fans would fondly embrace.
With notable groups like BENEDICTION, GRAVE, GOREFEST and OBITUARY (among others) releasing their seminal albums in the 90’s, and maintaining a reliable and steady credibility in 2014, it must be increasingly difficult to pen songs that introduce fresh ideas that will « jump start » the scene. LOUDBLAST’s latest is another example of an album that, though satisfying, nothing here seems to scream « instant classic » upon initial listening. « I Reach the Sun » is a mighty tune brimming with malice and vitriol, slow to mid-paced and including a « sing along » chorus and incredible lead. Simple in its approach it does an excellent job! « Abstract God« , another juggernaut of « bone crushing » proportions, previews « The Void » that seems to include a hypnotic, « spacey » Doom feel in its rhythm and execution. For all intents and purposes, LOUDBLAST’s, « Burial Ground » takes the first half of its repertoire to fully attain the standout moments the French troupe is noted for! With the second half really exploding with above average songs, fans may want to be patient and allow for multiple spins before making up their minds. A great return to form but slightly off center from the bullseye.
Standout Tracks: « I Reach the Sun« , « The Void« , « The Path »
7.5/10
Chris
