DEMO REVIEW: Tomb Mold – Aperture Of Body

Along with their 3 splendid full lengths, Canadian Death Metal titans TOMB MOLD have consistently release high quality demos. This is their 5th…

Buzzing synths start off the extraterrestrial journey with a simple but eerie ambience that is full of 80s Sci-Fi nostalgia. A chilling prelude to the ferocity ahead. Bursting into life with inhuman riffing and blasting drums, the savage weirdness of Tomb Mold’s unique songwriting is instantly present with its molten flow of revolting guttural vocals atop relentless percussion and maniacal guitar work. There is a certain technicality to their sound while keeping it old school, a balance they have nailed over the years to give us cosmic sounds while still feeling sepulchral and gritty. Lead guitars shred seamlessly between the charnel riffs and the bass lines pack enough of a punch not to get lost in the mix, which itself is a murky and brooding presentation of the tracks. This return feels full of energy from the onset and like Tomb Mold have not strayed on their path toward celestial Death Metal glory.

Warping from riff to riff, the ability to progressive in really angular ways without destroying the sense of the song itself is commendable. Much like Finnish titans Demilich or lost treasures Timeghoul, Tomb Mold have a sound of their own that is ultimately weird but in a way that doesn’t feel pretentious or meticulously planned, for Death Metal needs some chaotic spontaneity and that remains present. From the introductory “Final Assembly Of Light” to two Death Metal master-works, this is a splendid new offering to bring anticipation into full throttle awaiting the fourth album from these Canadian stalwarts. With mesmerising lead work that does not detract from the spectral and gruesome morbidity of the demo, this balance is held perfectly throughout.

Combining the raw charm of the debut, masterful songwriting of the sophomore and blistering melodies of the third album seem to all meet along with the previous demos collective underground excellence, showing Tomb Mold’s growth but also their trueness to keeping their old school attitude. A sublime ending section closes in ambient, ghostly fashion, making this short release feel complete, giving it a full form in its own right. Though only 13 minutes in length, there is a lot to dissect here, making every minute a valuable offering to the outer ones.

A flowing, contorting apparition of Death Metal magnificence. This otherworldly offering makes a promises to unleash eldritch music of titanic proportions and delivers, though I am sure this is the tip of the iceberg for whatever album four shall hold.