ALBUM REVIEW: Nightbearer – Tales Of Sorcery And Death

Following only a single EP, NIGHTBEARER now have a full length of devastatingly groovy Death Metal out via Testimony Records.

Boss HM-2 riffing kicks in over hammering drums and accompanied by soaring guitar riffs before a rupturing display of guttural vocals complete the frantically crushing extremity. Bloodbath style melodies kick in and truly knock things out of the park within the first track. Firing out a putrid blend of old school Death Metal aggression but accompanied by haunting lead work, this is some killer material that definitely sets apart Nightbearer from the slew of bands who purely rely on their pedal choice, this is top quality material and utterly obliterating with its delving into morbid realms of true musical mastery. I actually had to pause writing my review to go and order myself a physical copy, this to me is usually a good sign that not only is it a fantastic record, but one I deem memorable with plenty of replay value, certainly true to this slab of Swedish style concrete riffing. Tracks like “The Gods May Weep” add some dynamically doomy touches to contrast the blistering walls of aggressive groove, of course this track does indeed break into d-beat chaos and punchy drum patterns but the opening slower sections really did build into them stunningly. The rasp of all things 90s is present in this cacophony of gruesome music that is gorgeously driven with seemingly unlimited groove and melodic prowess throughout. Both catchy and unpredictably volatile, there is much excitement around the barraging onslaught of maniacally magnificent Death Metal. I think in terms of the “Swedeath” revival, this has to be one of the best records in the last couple of years alongside Crawl, Feral and Organic, these bands all have one thing in common which is a perfect blend of old school familiarity but also bringing something new and unique to the table which is ultimately what I find to be the most valuable factor when trawling through hundreds of new underground acts each month. Nightbearer have absolutely surpassed any expectations and delivered a monstrously monolithic debut full length records that will knock you on your ass before caving your skull in with mighty riff grooves, d-beat drums, glorious lead word and snarled vocal morbidity. The swing of the record is captivating and overall the albums production is meatier than most in this vein of Death Metal post millennium. On an ending note, the finale is a gloriously indulgent journey into more melancholy territory with quite an epic feeling behind it and plentiful mid-paced chugging riffs to break up the progressions. A truly killer ending to a ridiculously good record. In consensus, this thing was an absolute ripper! -9/10