Description
2022 re-issue with two bonus live tracks, gatefold cover, poster and one side lazer etched
Necrophobic is a kind of institution with Swedish extreme Metal scene, for its line-up had some famous names in the past, like Blackmoon (former guitarist of Dark Funeral, R.I.P), Robert Senneback, Johan Bergeback and many others, and the band return now, after four years of silence, with their album Womb of Lilithu. Obviously, for some newcomers into extreme Metal, they can sound like many bands nowadays, but remember: these guys are doing music since 1989, so pay some respect to them. Maybe some of your favorite bands in extreme Metal scene never existed if Necrophobic didn’t exist. A violent and crushing Death / Black Metal is awaits us all, so be prepared for this bloody assault, sometimes fast and sometimes more climatic and slower, but always heavy and dark as Hell. Harsh and strong vocals (but if you pay attention, you’ll hear that its diction is perfect), great guitar riffs and solos (being nothing like distorted noise. There’s a harmonic structure behind them, and even some melodies), and a very good bass and drums work. And no, it’s a crush in the ears of those not used to extreme Metal. The sound production is in a good level, putting all musical elements from the band in good shape (you’ll hear all their instruments clearly), with Fredrik Folkare handling all mixing and mastering processes. The artwork, a fine Adrien Bousson’s work, under Joakim Sterner’s observation. 13 darkened and oppressive songs awaits us all, so be prepared for the reaping. The greater moments: the mid tempo “Splendour Nigri Solis”, the fast and furious “Astaroth” (wonderful guitar riffs and vocals, even in the slower tempo moments), the thundering “Black Night Raven” (showing why these guys’ guitars are respected worldwide), the oppressive and slower “The Necromancer” (the contrast between harsh vocals and clean and agonizing voices are something of wonderful), “Marquis Phenex” and it’s elaborated guitar riffs and solos, the pompous “Matanbuchus”, and “Opium Black” (slower and full of a dense climate, with a fine guest, Pasi Koskinen, former Amorphis vocalist). Excellent working, and please, guys: never leave us! Metal as a whole needs more bands like Necrophobic.
Track listing:
1. Womb Of Lilithu
2. Splendour Nigri Solis
3. Astaroth
4. Furfur
5. Black Night Raven
6. The Necromancer
7. Marquis Phenex
8. Asmodee
9. Marchosias
10. Matanbuchus
11. Paimon
12. Opium Black
13. Infinite Infernalis
14. Amdusias
15. Splendour Nigri Solis-live
16. Dreams Shall Flesh-live