Richard HolmesGrave – Out Of Respect For The Dead (Century Media)
Genre: Death Metal
Out of the slew of bands who forged the Swedish death metal sound in the early 90s, Grave have been among the most productive – especially since the turn of the century.
And albums like this one show that there’s plenty of fire left in the bellies of Ola Lindgren and his cohorts as they approach their 28th year in the scene.
The title track, in particular, sees the quartet hacking their way through your ear drums with some lacerating riffery before turning to a darker, more sinister vibe.
Speaking of which, closing track Grotesque Glory slows things down (at least for a time) to a doomy pace, and suffocates the listener with its claustrophobic atmosphere.
There are, however, some pedestrian moments on Grave’s 10th full length, with Redeemed Through Hate in particular being a little ‘DM-by-numbers’ for its own good and the act’s own production job subduing the album’s sonic intensity somewhat.
If you’re expecting a trademark, full fat Swedeath onslaught, you may come away disappointed. Nevertheless, Out Of Respect For The Dead is a solid effort from a band with little to prove – and it’s reassuring to know that they’re showing no signs of going six feet under just yet.
RUSHONROCK RATED: 6.5/10 Funeral Hymns