Necrovation "Necrovation" CD

After arguably very little progression in the Swedeath scene, one band has sought to break the mold carved out by groups such as Dismember and Entombed. Although keeping in line with the filthy and chaotic blend of death metal that Sweden has become known for, Necrovation have thrown many an odd influence into the encrusted melting pot that is their self-titled sophomore, both from their native land and abroad. That said, it makes a charming change for them not to wear their influences as prominently as they did on their début Breed Darkness Blood, and are showing a much more mature and dynamic approach in their sound.
Necrovation quickly blasts off with no fuss into the first round of sordid death metal, “Necrovorous Insurrection”. Unpolished but well-balanced, the music has been neatly presented, allowing each of the musicians to shine through. The guitars are the stars of this show, particularly the recent addition of Fredrick who unleashes no less than three technical yet melodic solo sections in one song. Bünger and Anton are no slackers though, particularly the former with a variety of drum patterns to keep things interesting, especially when they slow to Incantation-speed. Finally, Seb is on hand to provide rhythm guitar and some snarling unflinching vocals that echo something of Tobias Sidegård (Necrophobic).
As we reach the third track, the peculiarity of this band starts to fully emerge, with “Pulse Of Towering Madness” injecting a little black metal into the melodic noise, progressing into “Commander Of Remains” where the solos take a turn towards grindcore. Most of the tracks are quite lengthy, and some take a while to start up, but once they get going then necks get whirling, or you can stop to admire the extremely melodic solo in “New Depths” or the crawling pace in “Resurrectionist”. However, the oddest track by far is “The Transition”, an acoustic-cum-metal shred instrumental which resonates more akin to a blackened Metallica than anything else. Necrovation rounds out with “Ill Mouth Madness (The Many)” and its grooving momentum that showcases Bünger’s topnotch drumming.
This album is diverse and balanced, yet persistent from first track to last, but it’s not without its flaws. My main issue is with Seb’s vocals which, while befitting for the music, could have used a touch more variety than the singular style employed. Also, the classical outro to “The Transition” feels quite out of place, and “Ill Mouth Madness” lacks a certain “epic” factor in its rearmost position. However, these grumblings pale in the face of such ripping tracks as “Necrovorous Insurrection” and “New Depths”.
On the whole, I can’t help but feel a little glee at hearing an album like Necrovation, coming from a band who’ve hit on such an assorted yet concentrated formula. To me, this album is an open letter to the Swedish death metal community, indicating how it is perfectly possible to embrace new and old styles without compromising extremity of their sound. Fans of this genre, or death metal in general, are strongly recommended to give Necrovation a spin.

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