ALBUM REVIEW: Shadow Gripped – Cancer

2018 has been a fine year for death metal with stunning releases from the likes of BLOODBATH, ABORTED, BEHEMOTH amongst many others and the returning British death metal legends CANCER are throwing their first offering in 13 years into the mix entitled Shadow Gripped which is out now via Peaceville Records.

Down The Steps exudes an ominous presence from the off with doomy, atmospheric vibes and evil guitar tones. The ever present sinister rasps of John Walker swarm around the arrangement like a horde of killer bees. The tempo begins to build as the track progresses as does the demonic groove. Garrotte continues the charge with some sludgy, swift riffing providing nostalgic 80s death metal energy that seeps directly into Ballcutter. The intensity and momentum elevates with pulsating drums and barrages of vocal bellows displaying all the hallmarks that brought CANCER such reverence.

Organ Snatcher borders on grindcore levels of ferocity, taking the pace to an entirely different tier. The monstrous riffing hits hard and still maintains elements of melody that actively encourages you to headbang until your skull is severed from your spine. The enticing shredding of The Infocidal gets your blood pumping combining with some frenetic drum beats which transitions into chuggy, stoner metal vibes and some slick lead work. Half Man Half Beast takes an entirely different path with a chilling, dramatic opening before switching into groovy guitar work and intriguing shifts.

Crimes So Vile displays a steady but powerful stride crammed with alluring riffing. Walker‘s growls continue to maintain a commanding presence over the procession. Thou Shalt Kill whips up a frenzy with some rapid shredding and energetic drum blasts before title track Shadow Gripped throws you into the eye of the storm with some mesmerising melodies and eerie lead work. Disposer sustains the wickedness until the very end with some calmer yet still unnerving tones before the track gears up for one final flurry of solid death metal as the curtain draws.

In a world becoming increasingly more saturated with stunning death metal acts CANCER really needed to burst out of the gate at break neck velocity and Shadow Gripped certainly didn’t disappoint. Considering this is the first release for the British stalwarts in a staggering 13 years there is absolutely no trace of cobwebs and they have returned more energetic and revitalised than ever. Shadow Gripped drags you straight down to hell and sits you at the right hand of the devil as it’s frantic bursts of instrumentation give you a shot of adrenaline as well as the feeling of nostalgia of how death metal came to prominence in the first place. For any fan of no frills, cut throat death metal this is one certainly not to be missed!

Rating: 9/10

Shadow Gripped is available now via Peaceville Records

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