Death metal traditionalists Baest may be from the land of the little bricks of intense foot pain, but there is no shying away from the classic Swedish sound. Inspired by legendary bands such as Emtombed, Dismember and Morbid Angel, their new album Necro Sapiens aims to slay it’s way forth with old school death metal savagery. Bring forth the destruction and lay waste to mortal beings, death metal is here to slay.
There is something comforting about traditional values being maintained in the world of music. There is no doubt that musical evolution presents us with new opportunities to love things we didn’t even know we needed. However, when you listen to something new, and it sounds like glorious days of old roaring back to the present, it just feels right. When that sound is orthodox death metal at its straight forward hammering best, the jubilation intensifies.
Baest waste no time taking us on a journey through what it would have been like during the sweat filled, mosh pits filling Sweden and Florida‘s underground scene during the 90s. I am unfortunately too young and geographically challenged to have been battered and bruised by these scenes. But I can appreciate the nostalgic value in old school brutality.
Sounding much the Mikael Akerfeldt Bloodbath days, the first single release Genesis – completely with mandatory opening extended death growl, slugs ahead with mid tempo groove, reminding me a lot of Benediction. The title track Necro Sapiens keeps the familiar sound going, adding in some haunting dissonance for good measure. We’re off to a terrific start, I’m already starting to get neck ache…
The sludge pit comes out with Czar and Abattoir at the centre of the album. Proving a change of pace to keep the album interesting and flowing. Before Goregasm brings the groove back, feeling more up tempo than it actually is due to the contrasts with the previous tracks. This structure keeps the flow of the album going stronger than if the tracks were constantly up and down. Therein showing the value of listening to an album straight through.
We have seen plenty of recent old school death metal ferocity from bands such as Benediction, Frozen Soul and Wombbath. Beast are continuing this trend with Necro Sapiens, providing an excellent slab of traditional barbarity. Reminding us of how destructively brilliant the combination of death growls and chunky riffs can still sound. Trends may come and go, but death metal will live forever. Hazar!
Score 8/10
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