Without getting into the logistics (as these things usually revolve around control and money), we now have two incarnations of Entombed. The one that I’m reviewing currently for Back to the Front contains vocalist L.G. Petrov, best known for the seminal classics like Left Hand Path and Clandestine in the early 1990’s. The lineup contains former Entombed members in guitarist Nico Elgstrand, bassist Victor Brandt, and drummer Olle Dahlstedt, along with second guitarist Johan Jansson.
Those expecting a total throwback to those early Entombed days of pure Sunlight Studios death metal will be very disappointed, as the 11 songs have more in common with their death ‘n’ roll days of Wolverine Blues and Morning Star. L.G. chooses to explore facets of a sinister low talking delivery during parts of “Bedlam Attack” – the music floating between this semi-up beat death stomp and then shifting into doom pastures. The quintet occasional summon up their early frantic past, especially on the punkish follow up “Pandemic Rage” where Nico and Johan lay down some quick high end trilling and a melodic lead break while Olle bashes the snare and toms as if alluding the police force.
Some songs such as “Waiting For Death” and “The Underminer” have those stop/ start guitar-drum changes and general bursts of youthful speed to remind us that the heart of death ‘n’ roll is a little bit of that thrash spirit that pushed Entombed A.D. into the underground. At the other end of the spectrum, a couple of 6 minute plus songs like “Digitus Medius” and the semi-acoustic meets marching “Solider of No Fortune” remind us that when the band wants to be serious about crushing the competition musically, they can still serve up the right brutality and groove combinations.
Back to the Front isn’t groundbreaking – and it isn’t supposed to be. It continues the tradition set forth decades ago by these musicians – so if you’ve loved their legacy and slow changing ways, this will also appeal to your ears, brain and death ‘n’ roll spirit.
Matt Coe, HMS
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