Wasting no time in returning to their next release after their rebirth with the slightly lacking Back To The Front, Entombed A.D. given the new identity after the departure of guitarist Alex Hellid return once more to the grave with Dead Dawn. Whereas previous album ebbed and flowed with various sections enticing the ear whilst others left it slightly lacking Dead Dawn brings Entombed’s classic pioneering sound screaming into the modern day.
[tracklist]
- Midas In Reverse
- Dead Dawn
- Down To Mars To Mars
- As The World Fell
- Total Death
- The Winner Has Lost
- Silent Assassin
- Hubris Fall
- Black Survival
- Not What It Seems
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]40:00[/length]
[record_label]Century Media Records[/record_label]
[release_date]February 26th[/release_date]
[/details]
As the metaphorical soil is dug up and yet another incarnation of Entombed unearthed a surpsirse attack of aggression and conviction is shown through. Creating a statement that the band are most definitely here to stay the gargantuan gallop of title track “Dead Dawn” would sit proudly amongst their intimidating catalogue reminding us that this is still the band that created the eponymous classic Clandestine. With that in mind much of the album follows suit, decaying riffs have a new found sense of life to give them the gut punch classic tone the band are fabled for.
Singer L.G. Petrov’s vocals are on brilliant form the imperious commands of “Down To Mars To Ride” after the shimmering acoustic beginning driving riffs are once again introduced sidelining this momentary melody to bulldoze the listener once again. Whilst Dead Dawn might ooze Death Metal the earlier breed of punk rhythms are still as present as ever particularly of the afterlife affirming “Total Death”. Not to mention the production gives the band an earthy tone without sounding far too withdrawn as was the problem with BTTF, denying that vehemence the band are known for.
However not all of the record retains the remorseless speed the band employ funerary dirge “Hubris Fall” calls upon the sluggish tones of bassist Victor Brandt and guitarist …… Make no mistake this is Entombed returning deadly, more vicious and cocksure than ever. The death dealing of “The Winner Has Lost” sees the bands varied styles over the years come together in a brand new setting featuring one of the many great guitar solos on the record. Perhaps touring on the back of Back To The Front reawakened a venom not felt for a time in Entombed.
Regardless if you have a soft spot for Wolverine Blues or is Left Hand Path is your bible Entombed have returned not only as the band we know and love but more. Carving a buzzsaw sized niche for themselves Dead Dawn once again siphon that lifesblood that made them such an essential piece to the rich Death Metal tapestry. Though they may not make the likes of Clandestine ever again Digging up the grave of Entombed the band have successfully ventured into the past to bring one of their best efforts in years into the present.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Bringing the classic tonality of Entombed into the modern day Dead Dawn is a defiant cry that despite line up changes and numerous complications L.G. and co are still Death and Roll’s top dogs.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up the record here!
