SÉANCE „“Awakening of the Gods””

Music: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Web site: http://www.myspace.com/seanceseance
Choice Cuts: Wasted, Invocation, Flight of the Wicked, Forever Haunted,

SÉANCE made a grand entrance into the death metal world, releasing “Forever Laid to Rest” (1992) and “Saltrubbed Eyes” (1993) through Black Mark Production, but disbanded in 1993 due to several setbacks. Now SEANACE has reunited and joined forces with Pulverised Records to release their first album in sixteen years—“Awakening of the Gods.”

Perhaps all the time SÉANCE members have put into other groups such as SATANIC SLAUGHTER and WITCHERY has kept them fit to play this type of music because they haven’t lost a single step. “Awakening of the Gods” rolls like a well-maintained tank—laying down aggressive, crushing riffs and a non-stop bombardment of bashing drums. Mostly, the group revisits vintage 90s death metal, spawning a slimy crossbreed of VADER and MORBID ANGEL. However, “Forever Haunted” and “Invocation” show the group performing a few Gothenburg-style licks that may have met the chopping block during practice with WITCHERY.

Besides the two tracks mentioned above, one of the album’s finer moments comes with the beginning track “Wasted.” In many ways, this track brings to mind MORBID ANGEL’s “Altars of Madness.” Much of the rhythm moves in a similar manner, and there is even a wild guitar solo near the middle of the track. Johan Larsson’s semi-growled voice presents the VADER comparisons. “Your Time Has Come” is another track with ear-catching riffing. Its balance of groove and speed also make this a great listen. Rille Rimfält performs a carnivorous acoustic guitar solo version of “Flight of the Bumblebee” on “Flight of the Wicked.” “Choose Your Eternity” lays out thick grooves and excellent guitar solos.

2009 is shaping up to be a great year for long-defunct metal groups to reunite. Next week prog-thrashers BELIEVER release their first album in sixteen years. ATHEIST and BRUTAL TRUTH both have new albums on the way. Prog metal players, CYNIC released “Traced in Air” at the tail end of 2008, and now we have SÉANCE making a tremendous return with “Awakening of the Gods.” SÉANCE still has the ability to play the type of classic death metal that originally drew people to this sordid style. Write down “Awakening of the Gods” on your list of death metal albums to buy this year!

note: 8/10

Tracklist

1. Wasted
2. They
3. Your Time Has Come
4. Invocations
5. Flight of the Wicked
6. Murder
7. Choose Your Eternity
8. Forever Haunted
9. Revel in Death
10. Prisoner 666
11. Burn Me
Total Playing Time: 36:44

Line-up

Johan Larsson – Vocals / Bass
Tony Kampner (aka Toxine) – Guitar
Rille Rimfält (aka Richard Corpse) – Guitar
Micke (aka Mique Flesh) – Drums