Spectral Mortuary: Total Depravity

Formed in 2003, Total Depravity is surprisingly only Spectral Mortuary's second release, their debut From Hate Incarnated appearing in 2007. What is considerably less surprising is how honed this band's sound is. Taking such an extended period between releases has awarded the band time to refine their identity as exemplified in every scorched riff and twisted guitar line, every demonic drum beat, and every ounce of wrath in Morten Møller Jørgensen's gut-wrenching vocals. Throughout, Total Depravity is as consistent in delivery and performance as it is crushing, the sheer weight of each track pinning the listener up against the wall for a serious drubbing. This is a malformed beast of colossal proportions. Across the album can be found nothing that would render any aspect of the album redundant, every moment is fundamental to the death metal aesthetic to which they resolutely adhere. And that is what lets the album down. Sticking so closely to the genre's defining characteristics means that the tracks can become less effective than perhaps intended. Every aspect of the album is consistent but in the sense that they appear the same from track to track. Thus, the boundaries that Spectral Mortuary have chosen to work within become confines. Yet remaining true to the core of death metal doesn't make it a bad album. Far from it. As with labelmates The Cleansing's Feeding The Inevitable, Spectral Mortuary's accomplishment lies in their distinct ability to imbue Total Depravity with a distinctly high level of brutal integrity and authenticity. As death metal albums go, it may be restricted in scope but it is focussed, determined, and unremittingly heavy. Recommended.

Track Listing:

1. Absorbing The Bloodline
2. Time To Decay
3. Purulent Mass
4. Bestial Sanctity
5. Found In Feces
6. Lapidated
7. Torturous Attainment
8. Defects Of Depravity
9. Compulsory Decimation
10. Strychnine Hill

Added: January 7th 2012
Reviewer: Jason Guest
Score:
Related Link: Spectral Mortuary on Facebook
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Language: english

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