Released through Season of Mist, Benighted‘s latest offering, Ekbom, firmly holds the torch high for the band’s established ferocity while navigating through the murky waters of deathgrind. This album is a testament to their continued evolution without straying far from the high-speed, brutal essence they are known for.
Ekbom is an aural assault from the get-go, with tracks like “Scars” and “Morgue” setting a relentless pace. The former track is a powerhouse of energy, showcasing Benighted’s knack for blending technical proficiency with sheer heaviness. The riff work is intricate, backed by formidable drumming that sets a new standard for the genre. On the other hand, “Morgue” serves up an almost primitive pleasure in its straightforward, chugging riffs and unabashedly direct breakdowns, catering to the basal instincts of metal fans with its simplicity and aggression.
The album does an excellent job of mixing these straightforward, blistering tracks with moments of surprising melodic introspection. Songs like “Le vice des entrailles” not only pummel with power but also weave complex melodic threads that add a layer of sophistication to the raw energy. This track, in particular, stands out for its dynamic structure, shifting from rapid-fire verses to a hauntingly rhythmic chorus that showcases the band’s ability to diversify their sound within the confines of extreme metal.
One of the most notable features of Ekbom is its pacing. The album feels like a high-octane thrill ride that knows just when to throttle back and when to unleash hell. With songs mostly under three minutes, Benighted wastes no time, delivering an efficient, impactful listening experience that mirrors the frenetic pace of life itself. Yet, in this brevity, the album packs a wallop, with each track bringing something unique to the table, ensuring that the album, while cohesive, never feels monotonous.
Vocal performances across the album are particularly noteworthy. Julien Truchan’s range from guttural growls to piercing screams is impressive, providing much of the emotional and textual variation that keeps the album engaging from start to finish. The guest appearance by Archspire’s vocalist on “Nothing Left To Fear” adds a delightful contrast, his rapid-fire delivery providing a perfect foil to Truchan’s depth.
Despite its strengths, Ekbom is not without its flaws. The production, while clear, sometimes feels too polished, potentially diluting the raw energy that Benighted’s music typically resonates with. Additionally, the use of voice samples, though sparse, can sometimes interrupt the flow and impact of the tracks. These are minor critiques, however, in an album that otherwise showcases Benighted’s ability to remain at the top of their game.
In conclusion, Ekbom is a significant chapter in Benighted’s discography that combines speed, technicality, and melody in a compact, explosive package. It’s a thrilling listen that proves the band can maintain their foundational brutality while exploring new territory. For its unrelenting energy, technical prowess, and sheer impact, Ekbom scores a robust 8.5 out of 10. This album will not only satisfy long-time fans but also likely convert new ones with its accessible complexity and undeniable aggression.
Order your copy here: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BenightedEkbom
Tracklist
1. Prodrome (1:19)
2. Scars (3:15)
3. Morgue (3:22)
4. Le Vice des Entrailles (3:06)
5. Nothing Left to Fear (2:44)
6. Ekbom (3:42)
7. Metastasis (3:33)
8. A Reason for Treason (3:18)
9. Fame of the Grotesque (2:20)
10. Scapegoat (2:22)
11. Flesh against Flesh (3:18)
12. Mother Earth, Mother Whore (4:28)
Total runtime: 36:48
Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12″ Vinyl Gatefold – Black
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Transparent Yellow & Black Marbled
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Golden
12″ Liquid Vinyl Gatefold – Blood Red Liquid-Filled
Line-up
Julien Truchan – Vocals
Emmanuel Dalle – Guitars
Pierre Arnoux – Bass
Kevin Paradis – Drums
Guest musicians
Oliver Peters (Archspire) on “Nothing Left to Fear”
Xavier Chevalier (Blockheads) on “Fame of the Grotesque”
Recording studio
Kohlekeller Studios, Germany (Powerwolf, Aborted, Crematory)
Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering engineer
Kristian Kohlmannslehner
Links:
Official Website: https://www.benighted.fr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brutalbenighted
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benighted_band/
Bandcamp: https://benighted.bandcamp.com/music
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/brutalbenighted
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benighted_band
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@_BENIGHTED
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dUwIwaPc6UukkCZTaaf7J
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/benighted/267088245
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3919180
