ALBUM REVIEW: Tomb Mold – The Enduring Spirit

Canada’s otherworldly Death Metallers TOMB MOLD are finally back with their fourth album. Set for release via longstanding label 20 Buck Spin on October 13th.

Pummelling drums kick us into action with a huge mix. Almost instantly these are met by crazed and technical guitars onslaughts with that cosmic and vibrant feeling that Tomb Mold have always purveyed to grandiose effect while keeping that grit to their sound. Obvious changes since the last record (and the few years between releases) are mostly attributed to the increased progressive flourishes in the sparse leads and otherworldly bass lines. Albeit an addition to their solidly Death Metal core, these more expansive elements build on the increased fluidity of the sound we heard on “Planetary Clairvoyance” but take things in a quite different direction, ensuring they do not release the same record twice. Although some may find these descriptions a detraction from Death Metal, they have plenty of the ferociously thrashing, warped and decaying elements that made all their prior works stand out. This one just goes further into the cosmos…

Interestingly, the lead guitars and their increasing presence seems to be a journey Tomb Mold are really putting a lot of focus into, with a noticeable growth from each album to the next. Along with the busy, feral drumming, this lends to the band have a very volatile and exciting sound. Sometimes the guitar work even goes into the territory of bands like Racer X with these massive over-the-top shreds, something I can definitely get behind. Taking those magnificent elements and thrusting them into the sepulchral scorn of a Death Metal album might seem a weird juxtaposition but these seasoned Canadians really make it work for them. The way they jump from these sparse progressive compositions to revolting grooves and charnel atmospherics feels extremely organic and all is tied together by this swathe of Death Metal, though interestingly with no focus on a particular time or sound as we have previously heard. Indeed, Tomb Mold take a few quite key sounds from both inside and outside of the genre and do something pretty unique with it. I think it is fair to say as a result, this will be their most divisive work as it really goes in some unpredicted and interesting directions rather than just hammering out straight (if wonderful) Death Metal.

So to commend a band for trying new things or punish them for straying from their path? Well personally I enjoy the second and third albums most of all, and still adore the debut, I think it is also fair to say the band has spent a long time finding themselves. As an introspective work that pushes the boat out a bit more, they may alienate some, they will definitely win others. Tomb Mold seem to follow their own will and direction rather than people-pleasing and that is really what a Heavy Metal band should do, regardless of subgenre. The musicianship and production is utterly phenomenal, the execution and songwriting is cleverly manifested to make a gripping listen and the huge diversities of the album are melded together in a way that makes sense to listen to. Overall, a huge triumph that simply goes its own way. While it is realistic to say I will (and do) revisit their earlier works much more often, this piece definitely holds a valuable place in the bands discography as a bold and mesmerising new step further into the outer realms, seeking new abyssal worlds with their sound.

Another masterfully crafted opus of inhuman Death Metal from Tomb Mold. Definitely their most technical and progressive record to date, rather different to their first couple albums. The increased focus on technicality thankfully doesn’t take too much away from the savagery or atmosphere, while pushing forward. I think “Manor Of Infinite Forms” will always be their unbeatable masterpiece for my preferences, but this is still a totally excellent record that deserves a spin (or several) if you like Death Metal with some flare to it.