Morbid Saint – Swallowed By Hell Review: “Swallowed By Hell Went Beyond My Expectations”
While it’s always amazing when a classic band reunites and makes new music, a problem I have is over-hyping the new album and it not living up to my expectations. I was scared that the new Morbid Saint would be the same way. But not only did the opposite happen, but Swallowed By Hell went beyond my expectations.
While guitarist Jay Visser has been the main force of the band thus far, two classic members reunited: vocalist Pat Lind and guitarist Jim Fergades. I saw Morbid Saint at Quebec Deathfest with another singer; while the other vocalist did well, no voice could replace Lind’s, so I was excited when I saw he’s on the new album.
I was impressed by the first note. “Rise From the Ashes” offers a brutal start to the album, with heavy riffing and machine gun drumming. When Lind’s vocals kick in, the song truly holds its old-school vibe. The song keeps up the momentum, and Lind unleashes plenty of catchy chants. I see this being a great live song, so I hope Morbid Saint adds it to their setlist.
One of the best aspects of this album is the guitar work. Even compared to older material, Visser and Fergades take the guitar playing up another notch. While every song features killer solos, the ones on “Rise From the Ashes” are the best on the album.
This album also has more versatility compared to Spectrum of Death. Take the song “Bleed Them Dry” as an example. While most of the songs on the album have inhuman agility, this track has plenty of groove to keep things interesting. The track emerges with the most badass bass intro from Bob Zabel, and the song goes back and forth between fast and groovy. This song is completely unpredictable, making it one of the best on the album.
The album ends with “Psychosis.” As the most fitting end to this monstrous album, Morbid Saint saved the most brutal track for last. After the soundclip, the riffing stays heavy and the drums are pounding. You think you’ll know where this song is going, but this track throws so many unique curveballs. Slight time changes and unique riffs give this song more character. Even the solos were distinctive. Both Fergades and Visser battle it out to see who could deliver the most stand-out solos. Some parts were fast while others were melodic, proving that Morbid Saint keeps the listener on the edge of their seat even during the last song.
Swallowed By Hell blew me away. This album is everything a thrash album should be: energetic, forceful, and brutal. But compared to older material, Swallowed By Hell features more unique parts, impressive guitar playing, and versatility, which only adds to Morbid Saint’s signature sound. With Visser, Fergades, and Lind in the band, Swallowed By Hell still has its old-school feel. Overall, Swallowed By Hell will surely live up to the legendary status of Spectrum of Death.
Rating: 10/10
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