Vanhelgd - Church of Death (2011)

   Vanhelgd showed up as one of the most genuine Swedish old school death metal bands by sounding fairly different from what was used to in their local scene. The band had way more diverse influences, and instead of the traditional sound, they preferred obscure atmosphere and noisier approach.
   Their returning album "Church of Death" continued this line, but from a bit different aspect. It was the sign of experimenting, diverse imaginations and productiveness the same time. While the debut had atmospheric sound and intense brutality as contrast creating main features, "Church of Death" switched into a bit more doom influenced direction with more frequent and longer lasting slow downs, ominous, but catchy melodies, and returning Asphyx references. Even though the role of the atmosphere reduced, it's more effective with this combination of themes and speed, therefore the phrase "less is sometimes more" was reconfirmed again. Instead of the former devastating brutality, melancholy and a desperately obscure tone was put more into focus. The cleaner and higher sound quality also proved to be advantageous, so in total "Church of Death" counts as a quite big step in the development of Vanhelgd's music. A well composed, all-round great return.