It may be a dying art form these days, or I might be living under a rock. Either way, Paganizer have put strong emphasis on their title track, which elicits a sigh of relief from this writer.

Flesh Requiem (Transcending Obscurity Records) is a 12-pack of Swedish Death Metal goodness. And the song itself is a remarkably wonderful piece of work. There is a melody nestled between one-two stomp drumming; enticing instrumentations with chugs added on for good measure; and slicing screams towards the end of the track. 

It’s similar to the idea of bands organizing their records in a way that calls for listening to it from start to finish without shuffling. Whether it’s a trope that’s lost its way or is something I’m putting too much attention on, it’s effective and telling.

But to say all of Paganizer’s latest record is strictly Death Metal is misleading. In fact, the group packs in a barely two-minute slugfest (“Hunger For Meat”) and crusty, abrasive guitar tones (“The Pyroclastic Excursions”), the latter providing the rabid line, “sacrifice the flesh / leaving no mess.”

Aside from that, there is a lot of grimy death to choose from. “World Scythe” brings the always-welcome Swedeath, melodic-tinged intro riff. “Just Another Doomsday” is utterly stanky. And “Life Of Decay” is lunch pail Death Metal for the nine-to-fivers, reinforced with fierce harsh vocals and ravenous drumming.

The quick-hit tracks are digestible and crispy, sharp drums with grungy, mangy guitars combine for a grossly entertaining adventure. 

Flesh Requiem is not a lost-in-the-shuffle vanilla output. There’s what makes Death Metal fantastic, and there are also elements that ensure the listener can find new and exciting bits and pieces that bring color and flair to the overall product. 

Buy the album here:
https://paganizer.bandcamp.com/album/flesh-requiem

8 / 10
MATT COOK
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