Tell me what ya think.
Entombed-Left Hand Path
Starting out in Stockholm, Sweden Entombed were the pioneers of the now well known 'Stockholm' sound, and even produced an offspring of copycat bands such as Grave (who, admittedly were awesome). Beginning under the monoker Nihilist Entombed quickly made a name for themselves in the underground with the demos entitled Premature Autopsy, Only Shreds Remain and Drowned. They released one more demo, But Life Goes On-their first release under the name Entombed.
The real impact that this band had on the metal world was realised in 1990, when Entombed released their debut album Left Hand Path through Earache and was recorded in Sunlight Studio, Stockholm.
But on to the album: The opening track, Left Hand Path opens with a scream and then goes straight into brutality. The guitar tone is absolutely crushing, with the title track quickly going into a solo just to show off the guitar skills you are treated to on this album. The vocals may not be the most interesting thing on show here, but they are extremely adequate and we even hear some clean screaming on Revel In Flesh. As a whole the musicianship on this CD is excellent, with some great riffing, crazy Reign in Blood esque solos, fast drumming, nice double bass work and no reliance on blast beats. This is finished off by competent if not interesting bass work shared by both Uffe Cederland and Nicke Andersson.
This is a very consistent offering, yet it somewhat feels overshadowed by the absolutely wonderful title track-which also happens to be the best death metal song I've heard in a long time!
Basically, buy this now and see why early Entombed is so highly revered amongst metalheads across the world.
Killing Songs: Left Hand Path, Revel In Flesh and But Life Goes On are my favourites.
End note: The reissue of this cd (which I am reviewing) also contains two bonus tracks from the Nihilist days entitled Carnal Leftovers and Premature Autopsy.
CLASSIC