At the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man: the problem with much of today’s Death Metal is that it suffers from having too little to really chew on. Much Death Metal may have the hint of old schoolism, but it almost always lacks the authentic feel and atmosphere of the Death Metal of yore. I’ve mentioned it many times before and it’s probably a little too easy, but I can’t help that he makes a clown of himself: the mid-tempo snoozers from Rogga Johanson’s quiver remain the prime example of this. So it’s always a relief to have a good Death Metal record in hand, one that brings more than just a few down-tuned riffs and some guttural roars.
One of such records is ‘Magna Pestilencia’ by Swedish newcomers Abysmal Winds. It definitely has this hint of everything that you like from the Swedish Death Metal blueprint as defined by the classic records of Entombed and Dismember. And, funny thing is, Abysmal Winds is not at all presenting us with anything new or refreshing in terms of its fundamental ingredients, yet the trio knows how to crank out some really tasty chunky riffs. And while listening to ‘Magna Pestilencia’ it is abundantly clear, the secret of a good Death Metal record does not lie exclusively in good riffs, but also in the music’s dynamics and a fitting overall sound.
In just over half an hour, Abysmal Winds leads you past all the indispensable elements of a successful Death Metal album. Solid riffs, good change of pace and a nice rough production (which Magnus ‘Devo’ Andersson of Marduk fame signed for). On the vocal part, a suitably raw throat is on offer and although at times reminiscent of the early heyday of Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost), just listen, for instance, to the long hauls on ‘Obliteration’, I am least convinced by the vocals on this album.
All in all, Abysmal Winds may not be the latest sensation in Death Metal, but these three lordships (with previous experience in bands like Corpsehammer, Omnizide and Avsky) know very well how to make a worthy, solid, pounding Death Metal record.
