Some albums grab you by the throat from the first note and refuse to let go until the very end. From the very first moments of Ecstatic Death Reign, Finnish death metal band Ashen Tomb unleash a massive sound that demands attention. And this Bear was ready to study it from the comfort of his forest den.
The album storms forward with fast, groovy rhythms that make heads bang instinctively, but it doesn’t shy away from slowing things down. These slower parts brim with intricately layered leads, creating a balance that keeps the listener engaged throughout. Transitions between melancholic melodies and gut-wrenching death metal hit with surgical precision, ensuring every shift feels natural yet impactful. The guitar work dominates the record, filling every moment with riffs that alternate between catchy and crushing. The bass doesn’t merely follow along; it punches through with a presence that perfectly complements the six-string assault. Solos avoid overstaying their welcome, delivering their message with brevity and impact before stepping aside for more riffage.
Vocalist Ilkka Laaksonen brings an assortment of guttural exclamations to the table. His arsenal of “reees,” “ughs,” “bleghs,” and “grrrrrs” feels limitless and perfectly timed, heightening the album’s primal energy. Tracks like “Anamorphosis” serve as sonic wrecking balls, obliterating everything in their path with a wave of infectious riffs and a suffocatingly heavy atmosphere. “Ancient Tombs Sealed With Dead Tongues to Preserve the Hidden One Slumbering in the Bowels of the Earth (Mummified in Cavernous Darkness)” earns its epic title by delivering the album’s most ambitious and dynamic moments. The track showcases the band’s breadth of influences and hints at creative heights they’ve yet to reach. Meanwhile, “Heartworming” introduces subtle doomy textures that add depth without dragging the momentum down. Despite its relentless pacing, Ashen Tomb know when to pull back—briefly. Every pause or softer moment lasts only long enough to build anticipation for the next explosive section. The album flows seamlessly, never feeling disjointed or aimless. However, its runtime could benefit from slight trimming to tighten the experience and maximize impact.
Ecstatic Death Reign stands as a thrilling display of Ashen Tomb’s raw power and versatility. Every riff, growl, and transition feels intentional, making this a must-listen for fans of groovy yet crushing death metal. If this album proves anything, it’s that Ashen Tomb has plenty more to offer and no intention of slowing down.
