Carnal Savagery's latest album, Crypt of Decay, is a testament to the enduring nature of 'Swedeath' metal. This style, pioneered by Entombed and Dismember in the early 90s, has left an indelible mark on the music scene, with Carnal Savagery being the latest band to pay homage to its pioneers. Since 2020, they've released six albums, all of which are dedicated to the 'Stockholm Sound'. Crypt of Decay is their seventh album in five years, and it's a testament to their unwavering dedication to the genre. But does it live up to the legacy it aims to uphold?
The album opens with 'Entangled in Barbed Wire', a ripping, tearing monstrosity that pays homage to the early Dismember records. The riff patterns and hyperkinetic energy evoke 'Slaughter of the Soul', which is a bold move that works in their favor. The song is a rousing blast of death metal with teeth and badass energy, making it a standout track on the album.
However, as the album progresses, the ground becomes more unsteady. Some tracks, like 'Scalped and Flayed', delve too far into the death-doom rat hole, feeling lifeless and dull. Others, like 'Gruesome Death', feel generic and stock standard. The album's momentum is occasionally disrupted by these clunkers and also-rans.
Despite these issues, Carnal Savagery's songwriting has its strengths. Some tracks are killer, while others are closer to filler. The band's ability to hook listeners with bangers is commendable, but they struggle to maintain the momentum throughout the album. The runtime of 34-plus minutes is short enough to stave off most variants of Swedeath fatigue, but it's not enough to save the album from its flaws.
The band's guitar work is a highlight, with Mikael Lindgren delivering some of the genre's most riotous, raucous, and deadly riffs. His solo style, while sometimes less stellar, provides a nice relief from the neanderthal buzz and brutality, showcasing another side of the duo's identity. Mattias Lilja's death vocals are solid and full of greasy charm, sitting somewhere between the late, great L.G. Petrov and Dismember's Matti Kärki.
Overall, Crypt of Decay is a mixed bag. The good tracks are fun, and the rest are tolerable but non-essential. It's a playlist poacher, taking what works and leaving the rest to rot in peace. The album's rating is 2.5/5.0, with a DR of 8 and a format reviewed at 256 kbps mp3. It's available through Moribund Records, and fans can follow the band on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
