Grond - Howling from the Deep (2013)

   Grond's debut EP "Steel Coffins" left behind a few questions by its main characteristics, because it was like some oddly oversimplified death metal with groovy and punk influences, embedded into a Lovecraft inspired main concept. First of all: why this style pick? At one hand there was a possibility that the EP became like this because of the limited skills of the band members, while there other explanation could have been, that the whole thing was intentional, cause the band members are big fans of Obituary and Six Feet Under. And similar to Coffins, they also tried to reinterpret the bare core "prototype" form of death metal by their own way. 

   By the release of their full length album "Howling from the Deep", the second possibility seemed more probable, cause the band applied a whole arsenal of groovy death themes. The preference of such basic themes also could count as a naturally came decision, since musical minimalism based simplicity and the increased focus on sound was definitely a trend in the underground from the late '00s. The cover songs on both the EP and the full-length also could prove this point (Celtic Frost and Obituary). Despite "Howling from the Deep" is pretty enjoyable by its basic approach, and counts as a determined style pick, still it sounded like if something was missing. The inspiration was there, the needed push as well, and the production was also excellent from the sound quality to the album artwork. But the music somehow sounded too chilling for the lovecraftian concept. However, it became clear after two records, that the band was in the state of evolving step by step, and "Howling from the Deep" was just the second stage of their progression. 
A potential favorite for the fans of groovy death metal!