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RUNEMAGICK
Swedish Death Metal "masters" you may just have to refer to them as after this second effort from RUNEMAGICK. I was moderately entertained by the groups debut but could have never envisioned them improving this much. This is a strong follow-up to a somewhat mediocre seminal release. Somehow the band have managed to write better all-around compositions, added more atmosphere and heaviness and shook the foundations of the underground with this colossal Death Metal opus. While I only generally deem anything a 9 or above as a classic, this is a minor one of sorts as it serves as a hallmark example of what Death Metal was and is supposed to be. RUNEMAGICK basically stick to basics, don't bend the rules or allow trends to tempt them away from where their hearts lead them. This is the very meaning of Death Metal, the likes of which remind me of vintage BOLT THROWER. There is a foreboding feeling of doom thoughout the album that the band have created through both the elemental components of their music and the atmosphere created through the spectacular production job. Doubt not! This is some seriously gargantuan and bruising Death Metal with brilliant slow, gut-wrenching, knife-twisting riffs that get you muttering to yourself things like 'fuck yeah!' and 'damn!'. Yes really, you will say these things while listening to this album! Speed is not a frequent facet of RUNEMAGICK's style, but rather strong, heavy, suffocating rhythms that slowly asphyxiate the victim, then proudly trample the grave. This may the finest pure Death Metal outfit in Europe at the moment. As a fan of this genre you can't afford not to have this one in your collection. So set aside your Gothenburg obsession for just a moment and get back in touch with the soul of the genre. RUNEMAGICK put the death back in Death Metal!
