Bloodbath- Survival of the Sickest [2022]

1. Zombie Inferno [00:00] 2. Putrefying Corpse [04:08] 3. Dead Parade [08:00] 4. Malignant Maggot Therapy [12:40] 5. Carved [15:46] 6. Born Infernal [19:14] 7. To Die [23:15] 8. Affliction of Extinction [26:56] 9. Tales of Melting Flesh [31:05] 10. Environcide [35:12] 11. No God Before Me [39:10]

Rating: ★★★★☆

In the ever-evolving realm of death metal 🎸, Bloodbath continues to hold the crown 👑 with their latest release, “Survival Of The Sickest”. The Swedish death metal titans, composed of Jonas Renkse and Anders Nyström (Katatonia), Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth), and Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity), have crafted their sixth full-length album, serving up a delicious dish of raw, old-school brutality 🎶 reminiscent of legends such as Morbid Angel, Death, Deicide, and Obituary.

Released on September 9, 2022, via Napalm Records 📀, this 10-track sonic beast confronts the so-called “horrors of mortality and the foul side of the supernatural” 👻. The lyrics, gruesomely poetic as ever, tell tales of zombies, putrefying corpses and melting flesh, perfectly matching the band’s thematic ethos and vivid exploration of humanity’s dark side 😈.

New recruit, Tomas ‘Plytet’ Åkvik (Lik), contributes significantly. His guitar work 🎸 blends seamlessly with the band’s sound, injecting a new dynamic energy ⚡ into Bloodbath’s musical arsenal. Tracks like “Zombie Inferno”, “Putrefying Corpse”, “Dead Parade”, and “Tales Of Melting Flesh” showcase a masterclass in carefully constructed chaos.

Instrumental proficiency shines throughout the album. The guitar work 🎸 is frenzied yet purposeful, the drumming 🥁 is monstrous, and the bass lines rumble with chaotic undertones. The rough, growling vocals 🎤 add a layer of guttural authenticity that is quintessential to the genre.

From a seasoned metal enthusiast’s point of view 👀, “Survival Of The Sickest” stands firm. This album delivers a sound that is both nostalgic 😌, echoing the ’90s death metal golden era, and contemporary, pushing the boundaries of the genre 🚀. However, some might find the album’s relentless intensity somewhat monotonous, leading to minimal variation across the tracks.

In conclusion, “Survival Of The Sickest” is a solid release 🚀 from Bloodbath. It’s a rewarding listen for any death metal fan, offering a brutal dose of the band’s signature sound 🔊. Whether you’re a long-time Bloodbath fan or a newcomer, this album is worth the investment. It embodies what old school death metal is all about — relentless, uncompromising, and brutally catchy. 🤘🔥