Metalcatto
With a name like Sepulchral, you can’t expect Beneath the Shroud to sound like puppies calling for their mom. It’d be dissociative—which is why your instincts are right: this is a Death Metal band. The real question is how old-school it will be, and whether it will honor the North American tradition or the Nordic one. It’s always hard to tell from the start. So let’s remove those doubts right away and aim for the kill once and for all! There’s no time to waste!
Yes, Beneath the Shroud is dark and sinister Death Metal that, despite taking a lot from the ’90s Swedish school, is still varied and melodic enough to keep me guessing its influences. There are genuine moments of sadness in this parade of brutal riffs that often make you want to eliminate that coworker who just sucks up to the boss. The production also makes things feel dark and claustrophobic—but with class; it’s not excessive. As in, you won’t feel like the vocals are coming from inside a paper bag.
As I hinted already, the album’s highlight is its instrumental details, especially the guitar work that does more than chainsaw its way to your heart. It tries to say something more. The vocals are pretty solid too, of course, and the rest of the guys here are doing a consistent job. If anything, Beneath the Shroud is a consistent effort that gives the hardcores exactly what they need. However, I do have to point out the things that make us less happy.
I’d like Sepulchral to embrace more of its melodic side. It’s not because I’m a softy, but because the old-school Death Metal niche is so saturated I can’t tell these bands apart anymore. It’s as if they take pride in that. Send consistency to the underworld for a while and just go crazy. I might not like it, but I’ll remember it! Right now, Beneath the Shroud is enjoyable, but it’s not risking much. Maybe next time, then.
So, if you’re obsessed with Death Metal consistency—I’m fully aware some of you are—then this is what you need. Not many albums are going to give this type of perverse beating with such integrity. Even if I would’ve loved throwing wilder ideas into the mix, it had been a while since diving into these primitive layers. You’ve been warned; now let your ears be the final judge.
Label: Soulseller Records Records
Release date: December 5, 2025
Website: https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com
Country: Spain
Score: 3.0/5.0
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