Gruel - Gruel (2005)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 2005

1. Corporeal Flesh Consume
2. Awaiting the Massacre
3. Cursed Desert Sand

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives Rating: 88% (2 reviews)
Purchase
Last.fm

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Credit to FeatherOfHuginn for turning me onto this gem shrouded in... obscurity? Point is, not enough people know about this, so here's my good-natured attempt at showing you all the light (er, dark).

The first thing that struck me was the top-notch recording quality. Who are these Swedish guys? I'm convinced this has to be some sort of side project of somebody or something, since most bedroom bands have less than desirable sound quality. Speculations aside, the material presented in these short 12 minutes simply oozes potential... certainly a direction any death metal band would be proud to embark upon.

The vocals stand out particularly, alternating between your classic death gutturals and a more demonic, gnashing angry growl, both of which meld beautifully with the skillful and aggressive guitars. Very riff-oriented, so if you like your death metal thick and engaging, with a guitar tone to die for, look no further... that is, until this quick demo ends...

Embalmed Souls - The Temple of Bizarre Cult (2005)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Brazil
Year: 2005

1. Dawn of Agony
2. Battle Against Celestial Slaves
3. Forget the Commandments
4. Under the Sign of Ressurrection
5. Revelations in the Darkness

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives Rating: 95% (1 review)
Last.fm

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15 years since their incarnation, and only their fourth real recording, Embalmed Souls have definitely taken the time and energy to create another high-quality slab of Death Metal. Much more modern sounding; the drums are higher in the mix, as well as the vocals, these guys continue to slay their way through Brazil. The very same morbidly devastating atmosphere is still hear and I can actually hear similarities to Necros Christos in the way the music is played. Gloom and despondent darkness saturate the recording, with very depressive riffs signifying only one thing: death. I feel like I'm going to die after listening to this. I mean, the music practically screams "You're gonna die! Die!" Unbelievable. This has got to be the most atmosphere I've ever heard in a Death Metal band. Ever. Recommended.