Denmark’s Undergang approach death metal with a level of finesse that is the rough equivalent of a hulking, unrefined brute wielding a giant stone hammer.  Even when compared to other recent old-school death metal acts, Undergang’s approach stands out as primal and primitive.  Of course, we are talking about death metal here, so none of what I have just said needs to be taken in a derogatory way.  Undergang actually does a really good job of using all of those traits to their advantage on Til Døden os Skiller.

Til Døden os Skiller’s defining feature is the slow to mid-paced groove that dominates most of its songs.  Rhythmic riffs lurch and chug across the album, and often lock on to the vocals in a way that is reminiscent of classic Suffocation.  When things speed up the guitars take on the buzz saw quality that is often associated with old-school Swedish death metal.  Undergang are also very good at writing breakdowns into their songs, and a lot of more modern sounding death metal bands could learn something about appropriate breakdown placement by spending some time with this album.  It’s all meat and potatoes stuff, but Undergang executes everything with a great deal of skill and conviction.  The deep, guttural vocals fit the music perfectly, and the production is raw and heavy. Everything just seems very organic and well put together on Til Døden os Skiller.  “Håbet Er Ligblegt” is probably the best track on the album, and will give you a good idea of what to expect from Undergang.  

Til Døden os Skiller is a really enjoyable album that hooked me in, and kept me coming back for more.  Undergang is at the crossroads of brutal death metal, and classic old-school death metal.  They remind me of something that would have come out of the US death metal underground in the late 90’s.  There were a lot of really primitive sounding bands popping up at that time, and they were starting to focus more on sheer heaviness than anything else. Modern brutal death metal eventually evolved from that scene, but sadly most of the dirt and gore were washed away as the genre developed.  Undergang’s music is covered in dirt and gore, but also focuses on the rhythmic pummeling that you expect when somebody refers to a band as brutal death metal.  I would strongly recommend this album to fans of Autopsy, Suffocation, Asphyx, Unleashed and Jungle Rot, but anybody who likes their death metal unwashed and reeking of decay should give Til Døden os Skiller a shot. 

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Opløste Ådsler
2.  Håbet Er Ligblegt
3.  Rådden Messe
4.  Stranguleret
5.  Ormeorgie
6.  Når Børnene Dør
7.  Til Døden Os Skiller
8.  Kadavermarch

Total playing time:  47:28

Release Date: Febuarary 1st, 2012
Label: Xtreem Music

Undergang - Til Døden os Skiller

Reviewer: Garett

July 14, 2012