One thing which I've learned about supergroups is not to expect them to be the sum of the parts, in terms of both quality and stylings of the music. If anyone was hoping that Shrinebuilder were going to top Neurosis and Saint Vitus then they were bound to be dissapointed with the end product So approaching a band like Bloodbath, consisting of a who's-who from the last twenty years of Swedish extreme metal, it's good just to expect some quality metal rather than a genre-defining band like Opeth.
The end product is pretty sweet indeed. The music praises early 90's pioneers Suffocation and Obituary, and the triggered drums and gut-wrenching pinch harmonics on "Mock The Cross" are a clear Morbid Angel tribute. The band take in modern influences too, exhibiting the trademark Dying Fetus groove, but without including the frequently unnecessary sweep picking self-indulge-fests. Unmistakeably 21st century-sounding productionwise (for the better or worse depending on your viewpoint), sticksman Martin Axenrot showcases beautifully precise and brutal drumming, straddling the line between sounding too triggered and too laboured perfectly, whilst the guitars crush and squeal in blasphemous cacophany as you'd so desire. New lead guitarist Per Eriksson puts in some tasty leads, particularly at the end of "Hades Rising", and the star of the show, Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt performs his trademark roar to perfection. I've been listening to this whilst slaughtering people on Hitman: Blood Money, and it has provided the most perfectly lurid soundtrack - a sincere compliment to the music indeed. Overall, it's nothing particularly groundbreaking or innovative, but very enjoyable nonetheless.
7.5/10
Highlights : "At The Behest of Their Death", "Hades Rising"
See also - Morbid Angel "Where The Slime Live", Opeth - "Wreath", Edge Of Sanity - "Twilight".
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