Bloodbath, Unblessing the Purity

I’ve been a big fan of this “super group” since its inception and debut release Resurrection Through Carnage. Even through the various line-up changes, particularly with the replacement of and newly returned Mikael Akerfeldt, I’ve enjoyed what these guys have been out to produce — death metal, pure and simple.

With this latest EP, Mikael Akerfeldt has returned to helm the band he helped form in early 2000. While the album released in his absence had a better reception overall with Pete Tagtgren on vocals, I still feel that Akerfeldt has the better (more guttural, deeper) presence for the band. On Unblessing the Purity we see the band embrace some of those elements that they visited on their last full length Nightmares Made Flesh and kick it up a bloody notch. The four tracks contained on this EP rip through bludgeoning death metal with some of the more melodic influences we heard on the last album, yet also return to their simpler, more straight forward roots.

Blasting the Virginborn
The opening track starts out with a brief bit of noise before opening the flood gates to hell with driving riffs, machine gun drums and Akerfeldt’s deep growl. There’s a decent groove flowing through this one as well as catchy hooks pull you into the churning sea of death. There’s an evil lead starting at the 1:40 mark that slithers its way around thick rhythms.

Weak Aside
“Weak Aside” also starts out with a bit of noise as an evil bit of guitar work and pummeling drums fade in from the dark. This one is certainly a bit more aggressive than “Blasting the Virginborn.” Where “Blasting” was melodic, this one turns instead to aggressive riffs and heavy handed drum assaults. There’s another sick solo at the 2:40 mark that pretty much will peel the skin from your skull. The ending bit of vocal work is pretty clever.

Sick Salvation
The third track on this EP doesn’t waste any time with introductory noise, but gets right down to business with demon like quick drum work and driving riffs. “Sick Salvation” has a great head banging groove to it that’s infectious as hell. Essentially, the lead at the two minute mark is announcing the arrival of the Antichrist as the rest of the band moves along briskly. There’s a bit of a sound clip shortly after the initial solo that is then followed with a bit of chaos and the chorus.

Mouth of Empty Praise
The final track on the drool-inducing Unblessing the Purity starts off with some great riffing and creative drum work. This one has a thicker, beefier feel to it. There are a few more great leads mid way through the song, as well as, flowing grooves and pummeling drum work.

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Depending on who you are a fan of in terms of the various growlers that have fronted the band, you may or may not be excited to have Akerfeldt back in the fold. Either way, there’s no denying the impact of this band and the quality material that they consistently put out — avoiding any “super group” downfalls.

Favorite Tracks:
All of them

Additional Notes:
N/A