Sweden's legendary death metal kings Grave have returned home. Never let it be said they don't know how to make an entrance.
Home in this case is Century Media, ground zero for their 1991 launch with 'Into The Grave' and six more albums of sonic violence before seeking out new avenues following 'As Rapture Comes' in 2006 with the now defunct Regain Records. And although the two records that surfaced while Grave was away - 'Dominion VIII' (2008) and 'Burial Ground' (2010) continued to uphold the band's penchant for quality mayhem, new outing 'Endless Procession Of Souls' hits like a ton of bricks thanks to its relentless speed, crushing groove, and unexpectedly rich clarity.
Released at a time when death metal is enjoying unparalleled popularity and competition for the crown is fierce, 'Endless Procession Of Souls' takes the best of what Grave has offered in the past and chalks up a bigger and meaner spin on things. The band's sole remaining founding member and musical director, vocalist/guitarist Ola Lindgren, is only too happy to be back on familiar turf and spearheading what has been deemed by some of Grave's long time supporters as their strongest and most diverse album since 'Soulless' was issued in 1994.
When all is said and done and the bodies have been counted, 'Endless Procession Of Souls' will serve as a reminder as to why Grave has been tagged as legendary . A weird honor to have according to Lindgren considering the band is still alive and kicking, but he's grateful that the band's 20+ year history is held in such high regard by so many people.