On the heels of two promising demos, Finnish band Cult of Endtime are back with the throwback full-length debut, In Charnel Lights. This release, much like their previous material, release remains closely linked to their death metal roots but, whereas their past was more in the melodic vein, they’re now combing the gritty, doomier side with a fuller, more evil sound. Sure there are still melodies to be found, but those are sparse, and the band seems intent on delivering the kind of death metal they’ve only hinted at before.

Within a few minutes, it’s evident that Cult of Endtime are going for that vintage death touch, with guitar tones reminiscent of early Dismember. Even clearer is the viciousness that comes across through their suffocating riffs, double-kick drum madness and deep, gutteral, growled vocals. “Cairns on Mercury” commingles past with present as the sparse, melodic guitar passages and upbeat drums turn dark, slow and thick like a disease. “Prognatus Di Sigillum” immediately follows with a grimy display of down-tuned death metal but falls somewhat flat with a seemingly out-of-place and excessively long droned outro.

I’m not the biggest fan of huge solos in death metal, but “Hidden Gods” showcases a very good one. At least to me, this is their way of communicating the ability to not only craft a death track but to also make it interesting. Throughout the track, I was taken aback by the whole passage and as a result, this one stuck with me as a standout.

My personal favorite, however, is “The Colossus Fell,” which boasts a supremely evil feel—as if there’s something lurking just around the next riff or blast of the drums. The transitions between doom and balls-out, ’90s-inspired death metal propel this track head and shoulders above the rest of the album’s offerings. I find myself returning to this track more than any other.

With this album, Cult of Endtime could easily have continued further down the melodeath rabbit hole—they’d have been far from the only band to do so. Instead, they created an album that will undoubtedly turn the heads of any fans of early Swedish death. It’s not free of missteps, nor does it reinvent any wheels, but it is a strong debut outing from a band that will hopefully capitalize on the direction taken here. Heck, clean it up just a bit and spit out a firebreather for the follow up.

-Josh

In Charnel Lights will be available May 29th on Svart Records. For more information on Cult of Endtime visit the band’s Facebook page.