ALBUM REVIEW: Organic – Where Graves Abound

Italian old school Death Metallers ORGANIC are back with their 2nd album, following the magnificent “Carved In Flesh” debut (read my review HERE) will certainly be an undertaking of epic proportions. “Where Graves Abound” is due to be unleashed via Testimony Records on October 22nd.

A strangely pretty opening to this album gives a haunting few seconds before we dive head-on into scathing HM-2 riffing and pummelled drums, if you know Organic, this should come as no surprise. The tight and ferocious sound is as strong as ever from the get-go with high-octane musicianship driving forth a pungent blend of Swedish-style Death Metal while the vomitous vocals add an even more brutal edge to things. The first thing I noticed that seemed new to the band was quite early on they have some really catchy melodic riffs and refined soloing that showcases the progression in their ability while staying true to the gritty Swedeath formula. Hammering forth, the savage execution of the music has not weakened, nor has their volatile sound which doesn’t filter out feedback, keeping it true with all knobs on full for a totally disgusting chainsaw attack, thankfully the drummers powerful hits coming through the mix. Varied cymbal work gives us some killer unique flares while the storming riffs keep things consistent. Overall the juggernaut of crushing Death Metal instrumentation cannot be flawed, nor can those raspy snarling vocals which fit the music like a glove. Of all the Swedish Death Metal titans, I think Bloodbath and Interment are the closest comparisons for anyone totally unaware of Organic, they have that punishing but musically able attack that is nicely varied but caves your skull in all the same. Thus far, a brilliant return.

As more developments come in, such as slower sections adding a bit of doom to the mix, though definitely not quite Death-Doom territory and mid-tempo lead hooks giving some Bolt Thrower-like panache, it seems Organic have taken their stronger points and developed more personality to further their craft. Now, it would be a lie to say they have reinvented the wheel and I am sure the intent wasn’t to do so anyway. What Organic do is deliver high-grade Swedish Death Metal meat by the slab with excellent songwriting and a magnificent overall sound that gives us proper songs, not just a string of riffs. This is catchy where it needs to be, ferocious and yet dynamic with plenty of subtle things like the aforementioned lead touches and cymbal work that makes those massive walls of HM-2 noise and blasting / d-beats feel less repetitive. The production is chunky and fuzzy but also not murky to the point of clouding the intricacies of the album. This really is a complete package.

Organic is back with their war-machine of Swedish Death Metal obliteration, delivering total carnage and annihilation with remorseless execution. Varied, impactful and utterly brutal in equal measure, an absolutely exhilarating experience from start to end.