Rotten Casket — Emerged From Beyond

Composed of ex-members of Death Squad, Pulverizer, Deifecation, Bloody Remains, and Caedere, the Netherlands' Rotten Casket spew forth unabashed Swedish, HM-2, death metal worship. Emerged From Beyond sees both of the band's sold-out cassette EPs remixed and presented on one disc. While no new ground is being broken, the drums are pummeling, and the riffage is tight, so the experience is enjoyable, even if it's a bit familiar.

Consisting of their Consumed By Filth and Simply Rotten Death EPs, Emerged From Beyond is 12 tracks of low, rotten, Swedish death fury. The HM-2 cranked to the max has become synonymous with the scene, and its tone is unmistakable. While it's very well tread turf at this point, speaking only of its familiarity to the listener would do these metalheads a great disservice. Slick, vile riffs hearken the listener back to an earlier, grimier time, when discovering new death was tougher and each new treasure brought the listener away in time and space. Not content with standard, early drum patterns, Rotten Casket's Niels adds a modern drummer's skills, not only with his competency, but with his creative use of hits and fills. Willem's gruff vocals skirt the line between sickening and mean, and really help to keep this album on track. Their spot in the mix is high enough that they don't blend in, but low enough that they're not too much. This really allows the guitar work to shine and be the star that Rotten Casket wants them to be. Between low, chugging, distorted riffs and witchy, higher, interwoven lines, the guitars buzz and fly at a propulsive rate that keeps up with the pummeling drum work.

Emerged From Beyond is a fun, head banging jaunt through familiar turf led by very experienced and enthusiastic tour guides. Putting their own spin on the classic Swedish death sound, this five piece make an engaging 12 track compilation. So, while Summer starts to heat up, blast some Rotten Casket and let the cold, Swedish Winter blast through your speakers.