After a decade of establishing themselves as one of Europe’s most celebrated death metal acts, Denmark’s Baest has returned with a monumental shift in sound. With a consistent output that includes the acclaimed debut Danse Macabreand the punishing follow-ups Venenum and Necro Sapiens, the quintet—comprising vocalist Simon Olsen, guitarists Svend Karlsson and Lasse Revsbech, bassist Mattias Melchiorsen, and drummer Sebastian Abildsten—had built a fearsome reputation on belligerent aggression and lethal hooks. Yet, their fourth album, Colossal, represents a bold and confident transformation, a creative rebirth forged in the quiet aftermath of global lockdowns and fine-tuned over two years. This is not a reinvention, but a masterful expansion of their sound, embracing a broader heavy metal canvas.
The most striking aspect of Colossal is its unapologetic embrace of classic heavy metal and rock ‘n’ roll influences. The death metal ferocity that defined their earlier work remains, but it is now infused with an infectious bombast and an undeniable sense of fun. This stylistic pivot, inspired by everything from old-school rock outfits like ZZ Top to ’80s metal gods like Accept and Dokken, feels like a natural evolution rather than a forced change. Baest has finally given themselves the permission to write music that is both heavy and joyous, resulting in an album that feels authentic and creatively liberated.
Much of the album’s success can be attributed to the guidance of legendary producer Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio. Known for his work with bands like Heaven Shall Burn and The Haunted, Madsen’s “no-bullshit” approach helped shape the album’s sound, ensuring that the band’s new direction was both sonically potent and incredibly catchy. The production strikes a perfect balance, allowing the crushing weight of the extreme metal elements to coexist seamlessly with the melodic flair of the rock ‘n’ roll riffs, creating a truly dynamic listening experience.
The twin guitar assault of Svend Karlsson and Lasse Revsbech is at the heart of this transformation. While their past work was rooted in sharp, dissonant death metal, on Colossal they unleash a barrage of muscular, old-school riffs and soaring solos that evoke the glory days of heavy metal. Influences from guitar heroes like Zakk Wylde and Jake E. Lee are audible, adding a new layer of melodic sophistication without sacrificing any of the band’s core aggression. This shift in their playing style is a clear indication of their growth and their willingness to push creative boundaries.
Vocalist Simon Olsen delivers a career-defining performance, expanding his vocal arsenal to match the album’s diverse musical palette. His formidable guttural growls and commanding shouts are more varied than ever, showcasing a vast array of tones that range from brutal to melodic. He has truly evolved into a multifaceted frontman, capable of leading the charge with a raw, primal energy that perfectly complements the band’s newfound swagger.
The rhythm section of Mattias Melchiorsen on bass and Sebastian Abildsten on drums provides the powerful and groovy foundation for this sonic rebirth. Their performance is tight, locked-in, and full of thunderous propulsion, ensuring that even with the new melodic elements, the album never loses its aggressive edge. They demonstrate an acute understanding of how to build momentum, driving each track forward with precision and raw power.
The album bursts to life with the explosive opener Stormbringer, a track that immediately signals this bold new direction. Its electrifying energy and powerful riffs leave no doubt that Baest is here to rock. The track is a perfect introduction to the album’s sound, grabbing the listener’s attention from the very first note and holding it until the final decay.
Another highlight is the title track, Colossus, which was released as a single and offers a furious dose of ’80s metal. With its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, the song is an infectious earworm that showcases the band’s ability to craft memorable, high-energy tracks. It’s a testament to their songwriting evolution that a track so firmly rooted in a classic metal sound can be delivered with such modern intensity.
The collaborations on the album are also a standout feature. Baest joins forces with Danish rock legend Jesper Binzer of D-A-D on the track King Of The Sun, a brutal rock squall that perfectly encapsulates the album’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit. The guest appearance feels completely organic, adding another layer of authenticity to their new direction. Another guest appearance by ORM on Misfortunate Son further solidifies the album’s broad appeal.
The album culminates in the progressive, true metal avalanche of the epic closer, Depraved World. This lengthy track, which Lasse Revsbech wrote a riff for when he was a teenager, is a sprawling journey that Baest humorously describes as their “Iron Maiden death metal song.” It is a grand and ambitious finale that highlights their musical maturity and songwriting prowess, proving that they can masterfully handle both short, punchy bangers and expansive, intricate compositions.
Ultimately, Colossal is a brave and impressive record. Baest has successfully blended their extreme metal roots with a vibrant appreciation for heavy metal’s classic eras, crafting an album that is both aggressive and fun. The courage to follow their creative instincts and embrace a new sound, even with the risk of alienating their core fanbase, is admirable. This album is a joyous and electrifying celebration of what it means to be a heavy metal band, proving that growth and evolution are the surest path to creating something truly magnificent.
My personal favorite tracks on the album are Stormbringer for its immediate and powerful impact, Depraved World for its progressive ambition and epic scope, and King Of The Sun for its infectious groove and the fantastic Jesper Binzer cameo. It’s also worth noting the album’s fantastic artwork by Solomacello, which perfectly captures the monstrous, larger-than-life feel of the music. The meticulous two-year process and thoughtful single releases leading up to the album’s full release demonstrate the band’s pride in this new chapter.
Get a copy of Colossal by clicking HERE.
Rating: 9/10
Track listing
1. Stormbringer 4:32
2. Colossus 4:23
3. In Loathe and Love 5:09
4. King of the Sun 4:09
5. Imp of the Perverse 5:56
6. Misfortunate Son 4:02
7. Mouth of the River 4:24
8. Light the Beacons 3:42
9. Depraved World 6:03
Band Members:
- Simon Olsen (Vocals)
- Svend Karlsson (Guitar)
- Lasse Revsbech (Guitar)
- Mattias Melchiorsen (Bass)
- Sebastian Abildsten (Drums)
Additional Musicians & Other Personnel:
- Tue Madsen (Producer)
- Solomacello (Artwork)
- Jesper Binzer of D-A-D (Guest vocals on King Of The Sun)
- ORM (Guest vocals on Misfortunate Son)
