ALBUM REVIEW: Misanthropic Breed – Lik

Misanthropic Breed is the third full-length album from Swedish death metallers LIK. Following up 2018’s Carnage, the latest LP might not spell out explicitly what it intends to do as much as that previous album, however the effect is exactly the same. Blending melody and brutality in a way that few death metal bands manage to pull off well, LIK have managed to make a record that draws from classic rock as much as it does from traditional death metal. Recorded not in a traditional studio, but instead in their rehearsal space due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the record doesn’t suffer for this, and still sounds incredibly well polished thanks to the work of producer Lawrence Mackrory.

Opening with an unnerving cry for help, before The Weird fully kicks in with a huge drum beat and vocalist Tomas Åkvik’s huge growl. Second track Decay honestly feels like it could have been written by AC/DC if they decided to scream and distort their guitars a bit more, with huge guitar solos and a fast-driven song, it really draws from that classic rock formula but somehow makes it work with elements of death metal. Funeral Anthem is where the rhythm section of the band really come into their own however, opening with a fantastic bass solo from Joakim “Myre” Antman before Chris Barkensjö’s drums come in at blistering speed and really push the song forward.

That aforementioned rhythm section are really the driving force behind this entire record, and whilst guitarist Niklas ‘Nille’ Sandin pulls out some excellent licks, it is that combination of bass and drums that keep this record on pace, and stop it from veering off into a self-indulgent guitar solo session that can sometimes happen. Commendations must also go to Åkvik for his excellent vocal performance. He manages to convey anger and brutality without being incoherent, and screams much clearer than many of his contemporaries. Sometimes vocals in death metal can be an after-thought, be too harsh to understand or simply get lost in the mix, but he is clear as day, which is a testament to both his own abilities and to the production team for an excellent job.

LIK don’t shy away from difficult subject matter either, taking on the Chernobyl nuclear disaster on Corrosive Survival, whilst they also showcase their musical talent at creating ambience with the title track Misanthropic Breed. It is just over a minute long instrumental piece that gives this breakneck album room to breathe, before hitting you over the head and stealing your wallet with Flesh Frenzy, which is almost death metal goes hardcore. Two and a half minute of pure mayhem, clearly ready to create a mosh pit (remember those?) whenever LIK can return to playing shows.

This is a really interesting record, because on the surface it is straight death metal, but digging deeper into the LIK formula shows that they have actually been very broad with their influences here. As well as classic rock and hardcore there are also elements of thrash and even a bit of MESHUGGAH on Morbid Fascination. It’s always good when a band don’t limit themselves to one sub-genre, and actually makes for a much more exciting album, because you never know where it will twist and turn next.

Hopefully LIK keep up this experimental aspect to their game, as it makes any release they put out a much more interesting prospect than anything that is straight death metal down the middle. This was an album created in an awkward space, defined by set-backs, and yet it is still a really good record. This is a great example of how moving out of your comfort zone can result in something much better.

Rating: 7/10

Misanthropic Breed is out now via Metal Blade Records. 

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