Sepulchral Curse – Abhorrent Dimension
Release Date: 27th October 2023
Label: Transcending Obscurity
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal
FFO: Ulthar, Entombed, Bloodbath, Hyperdontia.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
My first encounter with Sepulchral Curse was through their debut album, Only Ashes Remain. It happened during a Transcending Obscurity sale when I was on the lookout for something new. I acquired that album with modest expectations, and it took some time to grow on me. Now, I can confidently say that it’s a solid old-school Death metal release with its own unique charm. With Abhorrent Dimension, the next step in the band’s journey, I was curious whether they would maintain consistency or opt for radical changes to their signature style.
The album seems to strike a balance between both. It boasts a massive sound that hits you like a sledgehammer. If you prefer your extreme metal overwhelming and enveloping, then you’re in for a treat. While there’s a strong sense of uniformity throughout the album, with songs of nearly identical length, it surprisingly works well. None of the album’s parts feel monotonous or out of place. It’s well-executed and capitalizes on the band members’ strengths.
The standout feature of the album is the guitar work. It’s undeniably loud and forceful, delivering crushing riffs, but what truly sets it apart are the melodic touches that elevate the music. Tracks like Serpent of Uncreation, Among The Wretched Columns, and my personal favourite, Stagnant Waters, demand some attention, but the contrast between the heavy, aggressive riffing and the subtle melodies in the background is worth exploring. Sepulchral Curse navigates a middle ground within Finnish Death metal, blending the raw brutality of bands like Rippikoulu with the catchiness of Mors Principum Est. Therefore, it’s challenging to pin down exactly what Sepulchral Curse sounds like on this album. Perhaps the best description would be a tighter version of their previous offering, with the aggressiveness of Hyperdontia.
However, there are a couple of setbacks with the album. The vocals are powerful and fitting for Death Metal, but they lack variation, and it’s nearly impossible to decipher any lyrics. It’s a far cry from clear enunciation, and it reminded me of the vocal technique (not style!) of old Deathspell Omega, where understanding the lyrics was a futile endeavour. Second, while the album features solid tracks, there’s a lack of memorable moments that would make me want to revisit it frequently.
In summary, Abhorrent Dimension is on par with or possibly even superior to Only Ashes Remain. Undoubtedly, some will rate it at 4.0 or higher. It’s an excellently executed album, though perhaps a bit too safe for my personal taste. Nevertheless, Sepulchral Curse deserves a spot on your Death Metal playlist this year, which is quite an achievement considering the fierce competition in the genre. So, make way for riffs that crash over you like an iceberg!
(3.5 / 5)
