It’s now common knowledge that I think Swedish death metal is one of the best genres within the death metal realm.
And since forming in 1998 Paganizer are one of the most consistent within the Swedish death metal sub-genre. Taking influence from some of the greats but still carving out their own sound Paganizer waves the true Swedish sound flag high!
Features Rogga Johansson who might be known as the creator of some of the best & fantastic musical projects, Kjetil Lynghaug on lead guitars, Martin Klasen on bass & Matte Fiebig on drums.
The band’s last full-length album “The Tower Of The Morbid” which was released in 2019 was one of the band’s best received by critics & fans. Since the album’s release, the band have been on a few compilations & splits but now the time comes for the next full-length, “Beyond The Macabre”.
Ten tracks of pulverising death metal on the mighty label Transcending Obscurity Records.
“Down The Path Of Decay” rips open the album.
A killer drum tone echos through the first track & the chainsaw-soaked guitar tone ooze out of the guitar cabs.
Rogga Johansson’s deep & putrid vocals fit so perfectly on the track & even highlight some high screams to keep the take diverse. A lovely insight into the album’s sound all within one track.
The next track “Left Behind To Rot” showcases the fantastic production on the album. The whole band is mixed perfectly, each instrument stands out but also together creates a thick wall of sound to create something very punishing.
A fast-paced track, with great d-beat style verses that switch up into a Gothenburg-style chorus in the vein of At The Gates maybe? It elevates the track & makes it two for two on the album!
Halfway through the album, it does not relent, “Succumb To The Succubus” shows the band has what it takes to write catchy riffs that will still keep things fast, heavy & deranged. This track might be more frantic in the riffing department but it’s still every ounce brutal. Where some may keep a track chaotic or brutal Paganizer are albums to do both simultaneously at 100%.
“Menschenfresser” near the end of the record is the strongest track by far. A simpler “meat & potatoes” track with a simple but effective groove & hook from start to finish makes this track one not to fuck with. A proper headbanger!
The album’s closing was a fantastic surprise. “Unpeaceful End” which features Karl Willets of Bolt Thrower / Memoriam.
An epic closer that is driven by the trade of vocal delivery by Karl & Rogga. The fantastic interplay between them & the track as a whole is sonically large & grand which makes this the perfect closer for the album.
“Beyond The Macabre” is solid. A thick slab of great death metal. A more mature record from the band & very focused.
No time is wasted or a bum note. 100 brutal & top notch!
Joseph Mitchell
Beyond The Macabre is out via Transcending Obscurity Records on 24th June 2022
Track Listing –
1. Down The Path Of Decay
2. Left Behind To Rot
3. Meatpacker
4. Sleepwalker
5. Succumb To The Succubus
6. Raving Rhymes Of Rot
7. Beyond The Macabre
8. Menschenfresser
9. You Are What You Devour
10. Unpeaceful End (ft. Karl Willets of Bolt Thrower)
Line up –
Rogga Johansson – Vocals, Guitars
Kjetil Lynghaug – Lead Guitars
Martin Klasen – Bass
Matte Fiebig – Drums
Official Video Stream #1
Official Video Stream #2
Official Paganizer Bandcamp
Official Transcending Obscurity Site
Transcending Obscurity Facebook