Necrophobic – Dawn of the Dead

Necrophobic

‘Dawn of the Dead’

Century Media Records

Death/Black Metal

FFO: Sacramentum, Unanimated, Dawn, Dissection

Necrophobic have been part of the metal furniture for 30 years, releasing a steady stream of adored albums by both fans and critics alike. This year has the Swedes returning to deliver the follow up to the superb ‘Mark of the Necrogram’ with their ninth studio album ‘Dawn of the Damned’.

                Once again, Necrophobic are firing all the artillery and laying waste to the land as ‘Dawn on the Damned’ picks up the mantle of its older brother and waves it around triumphantly. That big, gargantuan sound of evil hangs heavily over this latest album, the songs are brutally crafted, and a phenomenal production allows each one to shine brightly. There isn’t any time to waste here, Necrophobic are master artisans when it comes to their work and because of this, there is no fat to trim with even the two longer tracks on ‘Dawn of the Damned’ stand strong against their shorter, punchier brothers. Yet, it is the tracks ‘Mirror Black’, ‘As the Fire Burns’ and ‘Darkness Be My Guide’ where this album truly hits home; these tracks are truly ferocious and are amongst some of the best work that Necrophobic have not just done recently, but ever.

                ‘Dawn of the Damned’ has all the hallmarks of a potential future classic; it is the sound of a band battening down the hatches and delivering an album of monumental proportions that will easily bring in a whole dominion of new fans. Yet, Necrophobic thrive at their most cult, they don’t need any mainstream press and this year they are the cream of the crop willing to take on all newcomers; but it’s a foregone conclusion… ‘Dawn of the Damned’ will unanimously win… every time.

Adam McCann