Sjukdom means disease in English. This strange creature emerges from the abyss of Sweden. The band has already released three full lengths and an EP before this new output.
I had to do a bit of research before finding the country of origin of those guys. Their vocals are in their native tongue, and I had the feeling it was a Scandinavian language I was hearing. This is good quality black metal, treated with emotion and a bit of a twist too. The vocals are either spoken or some sort of sick harsh ones with echo. Normally, this is the type of voice that is too much upfront in the mix, but fortunately, it was chosen not to. The pace is often in the moderate range, and coupled with crushing riffs, it makes this album a cool listening experience. The musicianship is good, the songwriting too, and same goes for the sound production. No such thing as a bad track to be found, although I can't point out a specific favorite. They have some piano and keyboard parts on many tracks, which add a pleasant feel of melancholia. It goes without saying this is also a melodic release in the black metal arts. Leads, tremolo pickings, clean guitar work and the already mentioned piano are the main player here. Lifelover has included a bit of samplings, mostly voices but nature elements too here and there. This new album, although lasting nearly an hour, goes by very easily. The songs are not too long, and at times, I would have wished they were. The listener is carried through a maze of mood and emotions; often crushing riffs collide with more melancholic patterns and calmer parts. This enigmatic act counts on staff: ( ) on lead vocals, lyrics; B – vocals, guitars, bass, piano vocals; LR-vocals and 1853 –lyrics. Not being specified, I gathered the drum is programmed.
Sjukdom is definitely worth checking if you are a fan of good quality extreme music and black metal.
Track listing:
1- Svart Galla
2- Led by Misfortune
3- Expandera
4- Homicidal Tendencies
5- Resignation
6- Doften Av Tomhet
7- Totus Anctus
8- Horans Hora
9- Bitterljuv Kakofoni
10- Becksvart Frustration
11- Nedvaknande
12- Instrumental Asylum
13- Utdrag
14- Karma
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