Have you ever imagined what it would sound like if Autopsy and Demilich got into a brawl in a sewer? Look no further than Undergang. This filthy foursome has been delivering downright disgusting death metal for over a decade. Each release raises the bar in terms of heaviness and blunt force. Their latest album, Aldrig i livet, is their deadliest yet.
In true “Music is the universal language.” fashion, I can’t understand a word on here. That’s not just because frontman David Torturdød’s gutturals are so low, they can shake both heaven and hell. No, it’s because Undergang sticks to their native tongue of Danish. For all I know, they could be singing about sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. Although something tells me they aren’t. Maybe it’s the repulsive riffs. Or perhaps it’s the grotesque album art.
Aldrig i livet features a little bit of everything, though without deviating from the Undergang formula. “Spontan Bakterial” is the musical equivalent of a shotgun blast to the cranium. “Ufrivillig donation af vitale organer” and “Usømmelig omgang med lig” boast d-beats and mosh riffs for days. And my choice cut, “Sygelige nydelser (Del 3) Emetofili”, recalls the days before Carcass discovered that wretched beast called melody.
The riffs are the meat and potatoes of this death metal feast. They’re thick and gargantuan from beginning to end. It’s the putridity of the early Swedish sound, mixed with the devastating doom of Cianide. One listen to songs like the title track and “Rødt dødt kød”, and it’s no wonder Undergang was invited to share the stage with the Chicago kings of death/doom on their home turf.
Aldrig i livet isn’t the finest death metal album of the year, but it sure as hell is the filthiest. If you’re of a weak disposition, avoid this album at all costs! Undergang is for only the sickest death metal freaks.
7 out of 10
Label: Dark Descent Records
Genre: Death Metal
For fans of: Autopsy, Demilich, early Carcass