Here we go again! Another Old School Swedish Death Metal album. Yay… Oh, you can’t feel my excitement? Maybe that’s because we review a few of these each month in our True Kvlt section. However, Paganizer isn’t just another knockoff of Entombed or Dissection. This band means business and has been delivering solid albums for years. Flesh Requiem has the challenging task of offering something new from a band that values consistency above all else. Personally, I’m curious to see if Paganizer manages to break the Old School mold this time.
Well, maybe not quite a break in sacred tradition, but I have to admit that Flesh Requiem came with some surprises. Beyond the Macabre was fun, but it hinted at a band in need of renewal—and with Flesh Requiem, I think it’s managed that to some degree. The album sounds fresh and aggressive, with the chainsaw tone stepping back slightly to allow more MeloDeath influences. The riffs now evoke a sense of gloom, not just rage, which, to me, is always a plus. We’ve already had Crawl and Feral this year, each taking the Swedish sound in a more Punk/Sludge direction, so it’s refreshing to hear how Paganizer has taken a different path.
The guitar work is where the band’s new approach is most evident. We get engaging melodies interwoven with tasty solos, yet Paganizer doesn’t lose its gritty, crusty, rural vibe (which becomes almost funny when you Google Gamleby and see a town so pristine you’ll want to move there!). I’m glad Flesh Requiem opts for more than just brainless bashing hidden behind edgy attitude; it feels like a more mature work, I have to admit.
Now, two things to consider before you dive into Flesh Requiem. First, it’s still an Old School Swedish Death Metal album, so all the genre’s familiar tropes are here. The Death ‘n’ Roll tempo isn’t as overused, but the album still prioritizes consistency over variety. Second, the production leaves me a bit conflicted. On one hand, I love how massive and immersive Flesh Requiem feels; on the other, it’s intensely loud, so be prepared for some sonic fatigue. Still, I think fans of this brand of Death Metal will hardly mind these details. I’ll admit, I’m just a pompous snob.
My expectations for Paganizer were pretty low, but it’ shown me these guys could easily crank out enjoyable Death Metal for another 20 years. It might eventually feel like retro-on-retro, but that in itself is kind of impressive—a band that needs to change nothing for decades yet remains relevant in the ever-evolving, often brutal Metal ecosystem. Put this on at the gym and try to keep up with the intensity Flesh Requiem demands; you’ll probably break before the album reaches its halfway mark. Cheers!
Label: Transcending Obscurity
Release date: 1 November, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/paganizersweden
Country: Sweden
Score: A 3.5/5.0 from the grave
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