Featuring members of At The Gates, Disfear, God Macabre, Skitsystem, Tormented and The Haunted, Swedish death metal collective The Lurking Fear returns with the merciless sophomore record “Death, Madness, Horror, Decay”.
A menacing atmosphere introduces the savage rhythmic ensemble of “Abyssal Slime” as the abrasive guitar riffs and the fast drumming accompanied by ferocious growls simply seem unstoppable.
On “Funeral Abyss” guitars acquire a lugubrious sound reminiscent of an impending doom consequently you will find more gloomy melodic phrases flourishing through the harsh rhythmic maze.
Since the beginning the title track puts the spotlight on extremely mournful guitar phrases evoking horror vibes but often embraces a proper rhythmic maelstrom as the precise drums dictate a breakneck speed.
“Architects Of Madness” revolves around the ominous essence of the massive combo of crunchy riffs and monumental drumming while the lead guitar work skillfully adds harrowing melodic accents.
“In A Thousand Horrors Crowned” stays true to a classic metal formula as the untamed rhythmic section builds a wall of sound and Tomas Lindberg Redant’s growls convey sheer fury yet later the slower tempo leads to refined melodic progressions.
“Restless Death” immediately unleashes another round of ruthless rhythmic blasts but the excellent guitar work adds diversity with eerie melodies further amplified by darkened atmospheric layers.
“Leech Of The Aeons” begins with alluring sinister atmospheric arrangements swiftly followed by the classic death metal flair of the aggressive guitar driven grooves leading to an eerie melodic grand finale clearly influenced by the Lovecraft universe.
Channeling a malevolent force The Lurking Fear proudly spread destruction & rage throughout “Death, Madness, Horror, Decay” which will certainly satisfy all devoted acolytes of old-school death metal.