For nearly thirty years, Aborted has been the backbone of the Death Metal scene. With another release in the collection, the Vault of Horrors (Nuclear Blast Records) has been opened. 

Ten absolute ripper tracks grab hold and don’t let go until the full forty-minute adventure has been completed. While the band has evolved to fine-tune their sound over the years, all their stages are represented well on this record.

“Dreadbringer” starts up Vault of Horrors with an eerie synth intro, very reminiscent of eighties horror films, of course. Then the gas pedal is hit with lightning-fast guitar work and blast beats to skyrocket heart rates. Just as it feels like the song could wrap up, a massive breakdown hits out of left field and opens up into a facemelter of a solo.

“Insect Politics” is the nice and grimey Grindcore track on the album that hits like an adrenaline drip while on a rollercoaster. Staying under two minutes (but feeling like twenty if you’re in the pit) and having a true ass-beater of a rhythm section to boot, this will sure be a crowd-pleaser and favorite off the record.

“The Shape of Hate” fits in like other tracks on the album, but the breakdowns are too good not to mention. There is also an almost calming melody that plays on top of the rhythm section after the second breakdown that really caught my attention. A frantic yet organized guitar solo follows this before the refrain to close out the track.

Aborted have put quite a discography together and Vault of Horrors is an absolute highlight, especially since this is their twelfth album. It speaks to how much the band has evolved gradually over the years, both in terms of the physical state and also in terms of sound. 

What’s more, they have done it well, too.

Buy the album here:
https://aborted.bfan.link/vault-of-horrors

8 /10
TIM LEDIN