Sunday, July 13, 2025

Dying Grotesque "Celestial" (Review)

Dying Grotesque Celestial
2024 Archivist Records
archivist-records.com
8/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS

Dying Grotesque play total fucking chainsaw death metal, loud and obnoxious, which is exactly what it should be. These gentlemen hail from Ukraine, so hopefully they are safe and sound, and this is a step forward for them, at least in presentation. I did not like the cover or title of the last record, and I feel like this represents them much better. Their energy reminds me of Black Breath. The vocals are a mix of Jorgen Sandsstrom and Ola Lindgren from Grave, which is to be expected with this style. They're very well done, though, with deep tones and good diction. The riffs are powerful, overdriven, punked-up, vicious and catchy. Unusual for bands of this style, however, is the presence of blast beats, which is a nice touch. It makes it more extreme-sounding. These guys know how to write a good song, and the hooks are everywhere. Just listen to "Purification" with its violent verse riff and melodic bridges that suddenly kick into high gear at a minute and a half, only to veer into a great solo. "Pneuma" has the heaviest opening riff on the record, and "Burial Fields" will have you thrashing the room instantly. I get a little ear fatigue from the guitar sound, but overall you get used to it. It's and extreme sound for an extreme band. This should be a must-find if you're a fan of this style, which I am. I've flagged this one in my collection for repeated listens.



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