This is the latest EP by Swedish death metallers Grand Cadaver.
Both 2021’s Into the Maw of Death and 2023’s Deities of Deathlike Sleep were quality excursions into Swedish death metal waters, so it’s great to see Grand Cadaver back with this 16-minute EP.
As I’ve said before – old-school Swedish death metal, containing current/ex-members of Cemetery Skyline, Dark Tranquillity, Katatonia, The Halo Effect, Novarupta, and Tiamat? Sign me up! These four tracks do nothing to dampen my enthusiasm about this band.
Blood Red Banner starts us off, with fast aggression and a nasty, dirty sound. The Swedeath chainsaws are well and truly being revved, and the riffs bite deep. Once again, good stuff from Grand Cadaver. The title track is next, bringing the band’s more melodic aspects to the fore in places, while still delivering a raging cut that combines songcraft with heaviness.
After this we get The Endless Dead, the shortest song here by a whisker. It’s fast-paced and riffy, with the band in fine form once more. How could you not like this? The EP closes with Darkened Apathy, a song that exercises both Grand Cadaver’s menacing atmospheric side and their melodic death metal one. Top stuff.
Another strong release from Grand Cadaver. They can seemingly do no wrong. If you’re a fan of the old-school Swedeath style, especially when delivered by professionals, and graced with the top tier vocals of the Dark Tranquillity singer, then don’t miss out on The Rot Beneath.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 