Bloodbath – Survival of the Sickest
Release Date: 9th September 2022
Label: Napalm Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal
FFO: Cannibal Corpse, Grave, Suffocation, Morbid Angel, Obituary.
Review By: Rick Farley
“When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth” – George A. Romero.
Zombie loving quintet, Bloodbath, are the undisputed kings of the old school revival. A legendary Swedish death metal supergroup, originally formed in 1998, devoted themselves to resurrecting the forgotten art of OSDM. Possibly being the first band to actually kick off the resurgence of those wonderful days of extreme renaissance. The band, comprised of members of Katatonia, Paradise Lost, Opeth and Lik, are releasing on Napalm Records, what’s sure to be the benchmark on what old death should sound like in modern times. Survival of the Sickest as a title, may have been inspired by the lockdown, which is when the band started writing this zombified, rotting corpse. To me, though, it’s a title that could also be taken as a warning that the mighty Bloodbath is still the sickest death metal band in the land and is back with a refreshed and reinspired outlook on what true old school death metal is. Going straight for the exposed jugular in the most brutal flesh-eating fashion. Dare I say this just might be better than the masterpiece of disgusting, buzz sawed swedeath Nightmares Made Flesh? Let’s see.
In skin blistering form, Putrefying Corpse is quintessential Bloodbath; disgorging fast tempo with face bashing snare and slithery guitar riffs that contorts its rotting self, spasming into a chunky slow churning groove fest with disgusting little sinister guitar melodies strewn about. Heavy as hell, dark murkiness with hooks for days. Vocalist “Old Nick” Holmes unleashes a deathly low growl worthy of an undead liege directing his horde to eat. The track also features a guest vocal spot from extreme metal legend Barney Greenway (Napalm death) over a d-beat grindy riff. His throaty shout is the perfect addition to the vicious auditory squashing from this smeared with guts kill-dozer of the living.
The furious stomping and disgustingly trudging Dead Parade will without a doubt induce, terror filled visions of ghouls repulsively slavering towards a grave to rob it of its decaying contents. Grinding riffs with guitar squawks and brooding, thick low end from bassist Jonas “Lord Seth” Renkse splatters your pulverized brain everywhere. The vomit inducing speed of Malignant Maggot Therapy shows off the staggering skillset of drummer Martin “Axe” Axenrot, his powerful blasting and insane precise fills are mind-numbing, channelling enormous energy, giving this track an unrelenting presence. A little Obituary and Death vibes stylistically influence track seven To Die, a speedy death metal assault that features another vocal cameo from the higher ranged screamer Marc Grewe (Morgoth). It’s instantly identifiable and undeniably fucking badass. Florida death metal exported from straight from Sweden.
The quality of songs never falters and are all complete pit worthy and brilliant examples of death metal goodness. The track that stands out the most, though, is the ominous No God Before Me. Macabre, trill filled riffs from guitarists Anders “Blakkheim” Nyström and newly crowned member Tomas “Plytet” Åkvik gives a twisted menacing ambience slightly evocative of Morbid Angel. Everything about this song sounds wicked enough to be an actual incantation to raise the dead. The dark choir filled chorus is arcanely entrancing and majestic, using synth layers to deepen the ungodly atmosphere. Be sure to check out the embedded video to find out who the third legendary vocalist is that graces this carnage filled masterpiece.
This record stands tall as the supreme example of what the death metal genre is truly meant to be. Waving the tattered, old school, blood-soaked flag of filth ridden, hook laden riffs, ample gore splattered tongue in cheek lyrics, relentless bludgeoning of low end, bellowing growls from deep caverns and drum induced madness. The guitar solos are never overdone and fit in perfectly from song to song, ranging from a raging whammy filled flurry to thoughtfully melodic creepiness. The musicianship is tight, precise, and completely top-notch all across the board. Production wise, the record sounds extremely thick and clear, but still leaving room for the griminess and filth to remain intact.
Bloodbath is one of the most consistent and well recognized bands in death metal and album number six, Survival of the Sickest shines in every conceivable way, becoming the undisputed monarch of their discography. A masterwork within the bands stellar legacy. 
(5 / 5)
