Entombed

Serpent Saints (Candlelight)
by Hansel Merchor

On their ninth release, these Swedish death metal legends lighten up the pace even moreso than in latter efforts, and by now, only two things separates them from standard heavy metal: The growl of vocalist L.G. Petrov and their death metal legacy. Gone is the primal simplicity and raw attitude of Clandestine, or the vastly influential death metal rock groove of Wolverine Blues. As Entombed stands now, they’re a more erect figure, a quasi-clean-sounding grinding machine, more developed and complex homo sapiens that pale in comparison to the destructive Neanderthal of yore. That the band hasn’t run out of ideas after all these years should serve as a compliment. Not that there’s anything fresh about the ideas presented here, but hey, Entombed should at least get points for trying. Plus, the minor riot this album provokes shall serve as cause for celebration to some; including old school death metal heads, so-called death ‘n rollers and people who favor legged, winged, tailed, and crowned penises over simple flesh and pubic hair. I mean, what the hell is up with the cover artwork?
(www.candlelightrecordsusa.com)