ALBUM REVIEW: Memoriam – To The End

British old school Death Metallers MEMORIAM are back with their fourth album. Out now via Reaper Entertainment and Chaos Reigns, interestingly this is their first release that is not on Nuclear Blast Records.

Military sampling makes way for a gorgeously old school riff and pounding drums, immediately bringing in that mid-tempo groove that is packed with a brooding and fearsome melody. Karl’s signature vocals soon erupt atop the bludgeoning Death Metal savagery and the mix is complete, monstrously heavy and tight. Churning out such mighty riffs seems to be something axeman Scott does without taking a break, yet thankfully the quality has never faltered thus far. Frank’s bass work only accentuates these mighty crawling guitars and newcomer drummer Spikey T Smith certainly brings in some flavourful drumming with excellent cymbal work amidst the pounding beats, assuring us that the departure of Andy has not effected the percussive side of the band. Marching onwards, the catchiness of the songs harkens back to the obviously comparable acts such as Bolt Thrower and Benediction with the likes of Asphyx certainly also pioneering this path. Perhaps a less traversed option than the likes of Floridian and Swedish Death Metal, yet one that is just as important and brutal, Memoriam certainly seem proud and able to fly this flag, this album not falling short thus far.

Delving deeper, the pulverising drum work and titanic riffs only develop further into a monolith of crushing insanity with the vocals always delivered tastefully and with that bitterly aggressive brilliance that Karl has always been renowned for. On the third album “Requiem For Mankind”, we definitely saw Memoriam commanding more character of their own and adding more flavour to their brand of barbarity, something we definitely see here too, this record definitely isn’t just a repetition of the prior releases. The way they belt out such a fierce range of blast beat fuelled destruction, tasty grooves and more sombrely eerie moments is always strung together beautifully, offering a proudly diverse and never repetitive listen. Lead guitars may not appear as regularly as with many contemporaries, but when they do the playing is soulful and adds a gorgeously evocative touch to the forefront of the music. This is best evidenced in the stunning opening of “No Effect” for example, haunting indeed. That is perhaps the song that can best showcase what Memoriam do for newcomers in its resplendent beauty and yet punishing heaviness that ensues with memorable grooves, ruthless brutality and superb progressions. Clearly this album is not due to falter.

From start to end there is a few things you can guarantee with these guys, things they have always been consistent with; huge dynamics, powerful songwriting and a passionate performance that has utmost conviction and while containing many elements, still has the primal urgency that seems to have never been shed by any of the members. I struggle to imagine how these riffs will not get any Metalhead banging their skull either on record or in a live setting (another area the band always deliver in, in my experience). Of course the ties to legendary Death Metal bands of days yonder such as the aforementioned Bolt Thrower and Benediction due to members involvement is unavoidable, but I would like to stress that though these similarities are apt, Memoriam have their own identity and a fantastic one at that, deserving recognition in their own right. Throughout the last few tracks, the band bow gracefully out from the battlefield, never retreating and never surrendering. Closing with unrivalled strength that culminates gloriously with “As My Heart Grows Cold”, the feeling this is not the end is palpable. But that is for another time, until then, this ripping opus deserves the attention of all Death Metallers around the world.

A stellar new effort from the ever-reliable MEMORIAM whom deliver pure old school Death Metal in the British way, with unforgettable grooves, punishing heaviness and glorious melodic flares that are subtle enough to avoid becoming obnoxious. Fans will not be disappointed and newcomers will likely adore these fast-rising titans. Go and give it a spin, crank the volume and be transported back to the 90s scene of England.