Necrophobic – Dawn of the Damned - Album Streaming & Download

Band Origin: Stockholm, Sweden
Genre:Black Death Metal
Release Date: 2020

Album downloads only available to members

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The chilling winds that sweep across the desolate plains of Swedish black metal have long carried the whispers of Necrophobic, a band that has consistently carved a path of icy ferocity and grim melodicism. “Dawn of the Damned,” their 2020 offering, arrives not as a sudden eruption but as a slow, inevitable descent into the abyss, a testament to their enduring mastery of atmospheric dread and relentless aggression. This is not an album that pummels you into submission with brute force alone; rather, it ensnares you with its meticulously crafted soundscapes, its chilling vocalizations, and its potent blend of raw black metal fury and almost epic, albeit morbid, grandeur. From the opening salvo, it’s clear that Necrophobic are not here to reinvent the wheel, but to polish it to a razor’s edge, ensuring every rotation cuts deep and leaves a lasting scar.

Track Analysis:
“Opening the Gates” immediately plunges the listener into a maelstrom of tremolo-picked riffs, sharp and biting, underpinned by a thunderous, almost industrial-sounding drum assault. The vocals, a raw, guttural rasp from Tobias Sidegård, are laced with an otherworldly venom, evoking images of ancient rituals and infernal incantations. The guitar solos are not mere technical showcases but are woven into the fabric of the song, dissonant and piercing, adding to the pervasive sense of unease.

“The Crossing” shifts gears slightly, introducing a more deliberate, almost march-like rhythm in its initial moments. However, this is merely a deceptive lull before the storm. The blast beats return with renewed ferocity, and the melodic refrains, though dark, possess an undeniable, haunting beauty, reminiscent of frost-covered battlefields. The bassline here is particularly noteworthy, a rumbling, subterranean force that anchors the chaotic upper layers.

“Dawn of the Damned” itself, the title track, is a sprawling epic. It unfolds with a sense of grand, albeit bleak, ceremony. The mid-paced sections are heavy with a palpable sense of doom, while the faster passages are pure, unadulterated black metal aggression. The layered guitars create a rich tapestry of sound, with subtle harmonic dissonances that twist and turn the listener’s perception. The vocal delivery is particularly varied, ranging from outright screams to more measured, spoken passages that add a narrative weight.

“The Endless Night” is a masterclass in atmospheric tension. The riffs are slithering and serpentine, creating a suffocating claustrophobia. The drumming is precise and relentless, each cymbal crash and snare hit feeling deliberate and impactful. The song builds and recedes, employing dynamics to great effect, creating a sense of being pursued through a labyrinth of shadows.

“A Void to Embrace” leans into a more melodic, yet still profoundly dark, territory. The guitar melodies here are melancholic and sweeping, evoking a sense of profound loss and despair. The rhythm section provides a solid, unwavering foundation, allowing the guitars to soar and lament. The vocal performance is imbued with a deeper sense of anguish.

“Serpent’s Oath” returns to a more direct, aggressive approach. The riffing is sharp and angular, with a driving force that propels the song forward. The solos are chaotic and unhinged, adding a layer of primal energy. The drumming is particularly frenetic, showcasing a remarkable technicality without sacrificing the raw power.

“The Scars of Time” features a more prominent use of atmospheric keyboards, subtly weaving in a layer of ethereal dread that complements the abrasive guitar work. The song possesses a grandeur that is both beautiful and terrifying, a reflection of the passage of time and the decay it inevitably brings. The vocal performance is potent, conveying a sense of weathered resilience in the face of overwhelming darkness.

“Where the Whippoorwills Rise” is a more introspective piece, though no less intense. The pacing is slightly slower, allowing the intricate guitar melodies to take center stage. The vocals are more restrained, almost mournful, creating a deeply personal and unsettling experience. The song builds to a powerful, cathartic climax.

“The Final Reckoning” brings the album to a thunderous close. It’s a relentless onslaught of blast beats and searing riffs, a final, defiant roar against the encroaching darkness. The solos are sharp and precise, cutting through the sonic chaos like shards of ice. The song’s intensity is maintained until its abrupt, devastating end, leaving the listener breathless and shaken.

Conclusion:
“Dawn of the Damned” is a formidable statement from Necrophobic, an album that not only solidifies their position within the black metal pantheon but also demonstrates their continued evolution. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of sonic detail and thematic depth with each immersion. The production is crisp and powerful, allowing every element to breathe while retaining the raw, unpolished essence of black metal. This is a journey through darkness, a meticulously crafted descent into the abyss that is both terrifying and strangely exhilarating.