ALBUM REVIEW: Mark of the Necrogram – Necrophobic
NECROPHOBIC have somewhat of a cult status in extreme metal. 1993’s The Nocturnal Silence is revered as a classic and whilst the band have continued to produce records across a lengthy career, it’s fair to say they haven’t ever quite hit the heights that their debut did all those years ago. With a new year comes a new record and the eighth effort from NECROPHOBIC; titled Mark of the Necrogram. With a remoulded lineup featuring Anders Strokirk (The Nocturnal Silence‘s vocalist) and the return of axe wielding duo Sebastian Ramstedt and Johan Bergebäck, indeed there is quite the buzz surrounding their new opus and it delivers an abundance of aural hellfire.
Straight from the off, NECROPHOBIC mean business and Mark of the Necrogram roars into life through the opening title track. Trademark riffs firmly rooted in the realm of second wave black metal take centre stage here as the galloping pace hurtles forward like a freight train. The hooks are incredibly strong and ensnare you from the off, as Anders Strokirk‘s shrieking vocals combine really with the whirlwind riffing to create a really enticing sound. It’s one hell of a strong opening and sets the stage nicely for what follows.
After a brief lull that allows you catch your brief, Odium Caecum continues in the same vein as the opening title track though blistering blasts from Joakim Sterner‘s drums and whirlwind riffing from the dual guitar efforts of Sebastian Ramstedt and Johan Bergebäck before subsiding into a wicked solo that showcases NECROPHOBIC‘s technical trickery. The skill at the band’s disposal is certainly pushed to the forefront on Tsar Bomba as the guitar-work takes centre stage through a consistently enticing riff in the track’s verses before evolving into a melodic and immersive solo. Indeed melodic isn’t usually a word you’d associate with a band of this ilk, but on Mark of the Necrogram, NECROPHOBIC‘s utilisation of melody in the guitars is executed with real class, one which really helps the record embed in the listener.
As the record progresses, NECROPHOBIC continue to impress. Take Lamashtu for example, a track that really evolves across it’s five and a half minute duration. Offering a mid-tempo chug and emphasis on Alex Friberg‘s basslines, the track is easily digestible and Strokirk‘s vocals really hammer home as the rhythm garners pace. Speaking of Strokirk, his vocal work is the crème de la crème in a sound that is absolutely punishing. Whilst the guitars contentiously deliver killer hooks, his vocal work is absolutely solid here; delivering a range of growls and shrieks with absolute conviction. Much was made of his return to NECROPHOBIC and on Mark of the Necrogram, this is a homecoming that is very much worth celebrating.
It’s not uncommon for extreme metal records to wane in their second half and offer a rather weakened finale compared to their blistering opening but on Mark of the Necrogram, NECROPHOBIC deliver the same intense listening experience as the record’s opening salvo. Pesta kicks the second half to the best possible start through a brilliant bout of excellent lead guitar play that is executed harmoniously to the flowing rhythm and from there things just get stronger. Requiem For A Dying Sun‘s somewhat reserved pacing throughout a large portion of the track allows for a degree of respite before unfolding into a barrage of double bass drumming from Joakim Sterner whilst Crown of Horns goes for the jugular through a wave of slick riffing and excellently executed vocal shrieks. Intending to end on a high, penultimate track From The Great Above to the Great Below creates an emphatic atmosphere thanks to the blistering guitar-work which combine well to Anders Strokirk‘s vocals yet again before fading into the instrumentally delicate Undergången which draws the record to a close.
Mark of the Necrogram shows that NECROPHOBIC clearly know their sound and understand what makes them tick. Yes, there is slight experimentation in the realm of the melodics but it’s not done to the point where the band would become unrecognisable. And whilst it certainly won’t reinvent the wheel, what it does is proudly present a band that can deliver blackened death metal of the highest quality.
Rating: 9/10
Mark of the Necrogram is out now via Century Media Records.
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