Since the end of October there have been… Bloodbath the new long player with the title Satan's arrow is drawn. Swedish extreme death metal with a typical saw sound, better known as HM-2, with black metal influences and some blasphemy. Who else is surprised? The fifth work and successor to Big morbid funeral was released via Peaceville Records and expectations are high.
The members of the all-star group also play in other bands such as Paradise Lost, Craft, Opeth and Katatonia. “World Leaders” threaten “nuclear annihilation in 140 characters,” “capitalism is destroying itself,” “a path that leads to a surveillance state,” “a climate that will apparently kill us all” – topics that are all in the info text occur and are legitimately discussed.
The enemy doesn't come from far away, but sits in our ranks, as guitarist Blakkheim later says. The typical sound has remained, the lyrics are, unsurprisingly, morbid. Garnished with the band's own humor, which may take some getting used to for some. You can do that easily and also give a lot of effort to the twelve. Forward-moving drums, good and melodic riffing. The singing has also remained.
My first contact with the band in the form of a long player was with the 2004 release Nightmares became flesh. Maybe that's why I still think the record is great. However, that doesn't mean that what's here is bad. But different. After Nightmares make flesh I have, so my memories don't deceive me, only the live album The Wacken massacre and The unfathomable mastery. I also didn't follow the transition with new members. Maybe it's because of all the new things that I first have to get used to, which others have already achieved through their own evolution.
Satan's arrow is drawn is still a good, hearty album that all fans can listen to with a clear conscience.
