Swedish axe-wielding death metal marauders Feral proclaimed their rights to the throne with a potent split last year with crust-ridden death metal label mates Crawl. And as promised, they will release a massive, comprehensive onslaught the following year to eliminate all competition in the Swedish death metal realm. Thus, the fourth full-length To Usurp the Thrones will come out on October 18th via Transcending Obscurity Records.
Those familiar with their legend know their humongous heft and power… However, what’s also notable about them is their penchant for writing detailed and highly structured songs. More so than most bands of their ilk. This is death metal that looks, sounds and feels as if it’s played by real savage Vikings! Yet, it is also wisely written, backed with nearly two decades of skull-crushing experience. Musically, they not only honor the ancient Nordic gods the traditional way, but also skillfully assimilate influences of the darker, filthier bands from across the ocean like Autopsy into their sound and solidify it many times over.
The result is an insurmountable wall of sound that not only overwhelms and conquers but also makes room for tantalizing solos, menacing slower passages, and of course, the neck-snapping groovy parts. With To Usurp the Thrones, Feral has once again showed why they’re the irrefutable contenders to the Swedish death metal throne… Also, they have delivered one of the most accomplished albums in the style in recent times.
Lineup:
David Nilsson – Vocals
Viktor Klingstedt – Bass
Markus Lindahl – Guitar
Sebastian Lejon – Guitar
Roger Markström – Drums
Artwork by Costin Chioreanu.
Tracklist:
1. To Drain the World of Light
2. Vile Malediction
3. Deformed Mentality
4. Bound to the Dead
5. The Devouring Storm
6. Spirits Without Rest
7. Decimated
8. Phantoms of Antiquity
9. Soaked in Blood
10. Into the Ashes of History
11. Stripped of Flesh
