Necrophobic – Mark of the Necrogram

Black Death Metal

Band Origin: Stockholm, Sweden
Genre: Death Metal
Release Date: 2018

Album downloads only available to members

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The air grows thick with the scent of ozone and decay as Necrophobic, the Swedish purveyors of grim and relentless death metal, unleash their seventh full-length offering, “Mark of the Necrogram.” Emerging from the icy grip of Stockholm’s underground, this album is not a step forward, nor a sidestep, but a guttural roar that solidifies their position as masters of the macabre. “Mark of the Necrogram” is a meticulously crafted descent into sonic damnation, a testament to the enduring power of their signature blend of blistering speed, crushing dissonance, and an atmosphere so frigid it chills the very marrow. This is not an album for the faint of heart; it is a visceral experience, a ritualistic summoning of darkness that demands full immersion.

Track Analysis:
The album opens with the title track, “Mark of the Necrogram,” a sonic harbinger of doom. A jagged, dissonant guitar riff, sharpened to a razor’s edge, immediately seizes the listener by the throat. Tobias Sidegård’s vocals are a cavernous, venomous rasp, spitting out lyrics that paint vivid pictures of infernal rites and eternal damnation. The drumming is a relentless barrage, a percussive assault that drives the track forward with unyielding force.

“Across the Funereal Sea” continues the onslaught with a slightly more melodic, yet no less brutal, approach. The guitar solos here are not flashy displays of technicality, but rather searing, chaotic bursts of noise that perfectly complement the song’s themes of despair and loss. The rhythm section locks in with a terrifying precision, each cymbal crash and snare hit landing with the impact of a hammer blow.

“The Shadow of the Pale” introduces a more atmospheric, almost doomy, quality in its mid-section. The guitars weave intricate, unsettling melodies that crawl under the skin, before exploding back into their signature aggression. The bass work is particularly noteworthy here, a rumbling, oppressive foundation that anchors the chaos.

“Per Aspera Ad Infinitum” stands as a monument to Necrophobic’s ability to craft epic, sprawling compositions. This track builds slowly, with a creeping sense of dread, before unleashing a torrent of blast beats and searing guitar leads. The vocal performance is particularly commanding, shifting between guttural roars and chilling whispers.

“A Void to Deny” is a pure, unadulterated blast of death metal fury. It’s a relentless, high-octane track that showcases the band’s mastery of speed and aggression. The interplay between the guitars is masterful, creating a wall of sound that is both overwhelming and exhilarating.

“The 7th Seal” leans into a more traditional death metal groove, with powerful, mid-paced riffs that invite headbanging. However, even in its more restrained moments, there is an underlying menace that never dissipates. The drumming is a percussive masterclass, each fill and accent perfectly placed.

“Shadows of the Soul” offers a brief respite with a more introspective, albeit still dark, instrumental passage, before plunging back into the abyss. The guitar work on this track is particularly evocative, conjuring images of desolate landscapes and inner turmoil.

“Necrogram” closes the album with a final, devastating act of sonic violence. It’s a fitting conclusion, a summation of all the elements that make Necrophobic so compelling. The track is a journey through sonic hellscapes, a final testament to their unwavering commitment to darkness.

Conclusion:
“Mark of the Necrogram” is a triumph of modern death metal. Necrophobic have not only maintained their high standards but have arguably surpassed them. This is an album that demands repeated listens, revealing new layers of brutality and darkness with each immersion. The production is sharp and clear, allowing every instrument to cut through the sonic maelstrom. The songwriting is consistently strong, with each track contributing to the overall cohesive and terrifying experience. This is an essential addition to the collection of any serious devotee of extreme music.