Tomb Mold, the Canadian death metal juggernauts, have once again shattered boundaries with their latest release, "The Enduring Spirit". As pioneers of the New Wave of Old School Death Metal (NWOSDM), Tomb Mold has built a reputation for tight riffs, complex arrangements, and an unmistakable homage to metal's pre-"post-" era. With their fifth studio offering, the Toronto trio continues to evolve, crafting a sonic masterpiece that transcends the conventional boundaries of death metal.
"The Enduring Spirit" begins with a visceral onslaught, a reminder of Tomb Mold's roots in the OSDM wave. The first 10 minutes of the album showcase the band's prowess in delivering brutal yet intricately crafted death metal. Tracks like "The Perfect Memory (Phantasm of Aura)" and "Angelic Fabrications" serve as a formidable introduction, setting the stage for what unfolds as a multifaceted sonic journey.
However, Tomb Mold masterfully employs misdirection, and it is with the third track, "Will of Whispers," that the album takes an unexpected turn. Opening with a drum fill and an open-hearted chord, the song ventures into jazzy, clean territories, defying the expectations of traditional death metal enthusiasts. Guitarists Derrick Vella and Payson Power seamlessly weave flickering jazz licks and clean progressions, while drummer/vocalist Max Klebanoff introduces guttural growls that add depth to the ethereal atmosphere.
The boundaries between death metal and other genres blur throughout the album, showcasing Tomb Mold's willingness to explore uncharted musical territories. Influences from '70s prog, jazz fusion, and dream-pop intermingle with the band's signature death metal sound, creating a dynamic and textured listening experience. Notably, "Servants Of Possibility" features solos that skillfully navigate between weird-timed shred and glassy, atmospheric melody—a testament to Tomb Mold's commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
The lyrical landscape undergoes a profound transformation, with Klebanoff's introspective and philosophical musings replacing the cosmic horror of previous works. "Flesh as Armour" stands out as the album's humanistic heart, with Klebanoff advocating for healing and self-reflection. The lyrics delve into questions of power, change, and the importance of gentle self-questioning—a departure from death metal's typical aggression and nihilism.
The album's production, courtesy of Sean Pearson and Arthur Rizk, ensures that every element, from Klebanoff's bone-rattling growls to Vella's expressive bass lines, is finely tuned and crystal clear. Tomb Mold's dual guitar work is a standout feature, displaying a remarkable range of tones and textures. Even amid densely layered frenzies, the lead guitar parts emerge as memorable hooks, defying the conventional role of vocal lines in death metal.
"The Enduring Spirit of Calamity," the album's epic closing track, encapsulates Tomb Mold's musical evolution. Clocking in at 11 and a half minutes, the song seamlessly transitions between death metal blitzes, dreamy atmospherics, and a crescendo of sheer beauty. It serves as the culmination of Tomb Mold's journey, marking not just the end of an album but the beginning of a new musical pathway.
Tomb Mold's "The Enduring Spirit" stands as a testament to the potential for subtlety and nuance in death metal in a genre often criticized for its aggression, unintelligibility, and density. Far from being confined to a singular sound, Tomb Mold embraces experimentation, vulnerability, and a message of hope. The album is a sonic alchemy that transforms brutality into beauty, making it a groundbreaking release in the realm of death metal in 2023. "The Enduring Spirit" is not merely an album; it's a proclamation of Tomb Mold's unwavering creativity and commitment to pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration.
As a testament to the quality of the album, 20 Buck Spin, the band's label, says, "This was the most massive pre-order volume we’ve ever had in label history, and so it’s been pretty overwhelming, to say the least." "The Enduring Spirit" is now available on vinyl through 20 Buck Spin, along with the repress of "Aperture of Body." Plus, they've got some cool new merch that can be found here.
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