FRESHLY BAKED: DEMONICAL

In "Freshly Baked," we feature promising young bands or bands that are otherwise lacking the attention we think they deserve.

by theseseans (NYC)

Download: Demonical - "Baptized In Fire" [MP3]

“Bringing death to all,” spews Sverker Widgren on ‘World Serpent,’ the second track from Demonical’s latest offering Hellsworn. Whether the mythical serpent in question is meant to parallel the band is anyone’s call, but Demonical are without a doubt death to — and for — all.

The Swedish foursome bring death metal some much-needed weight. While there have been recent celebrations of an “old school”-style resurgence in death metal, I’ve always leaned toward whatever felt good, parameters be damned. Demonical have found their footing in punk-inspired (but not too saturated) rhythm and structure while diving deeper into death’s sound and force. Drummer Ronnie Bergerståhl can sound mutli-limbed when he wants, but the real key to his playing is his knowledge of when to keep flashy fills at bay, instead focusing on a song’s drive and pummel.

The same could be said of each member of Demonical. There is a clear respect for what they are creating and each performance reflects an appreciation of the end result.

Death for all? I think so.