Vomitory

Swedish death metal masters Vomitory return with their eighth album, Opus Mortis VIII, and like their previous releases, it's an onslaught of fast and extreme brutality. Vomitory haven't changed their formula much since forming in 1989 and there are no complaints about that here. The follow-up to their excellent 2009 release, Carnage Euphoria, the band pick up right where they left off. Opus Mortis VIII features straightforward song arrangements and vocalist Erik Rundqvist's punishing guttural growls throughout. Ultra-heavy riffs and sporadic blast beats are used to full effect, particularly on "Torturous Ingenious" and the blistering "Forever Damned." Clear and skilfully executed production by Rikard Löfgren takes Opus Mortis VIII to the next level. This, along with the band's ability to create traditional, catchy death metal tunes without getting caught up in the histrionics, makes for an overall vehement, yet controlled and balanced atmosphere.