It is with a great degree of anticipation that I got my hands on a copy of Entombed A.D’s second opus, Dead Dawn, and I can say I was not disappointed.
Following on from 2014’s Back to the Front, this is the second release in less than two years from the new incarnation of the mighty Entombed. These guys seem to be returning to the early prolific ways of early Entombed and indeed certainly embrace some of the sounds of those ground breaking days. The record builds on the stripped back groove of the first album and adds a layer of heaviness to the sound and adventure to the song structures, reminding the listener of Clandestine and Wolverine Blues which given the classic status of said platters, is no bad thing at all. That said, this album isn’t backward looking but rather captures some of the best elements of the band’s earlier incarnation and adds its own catchy narrative.
There is a real mixture of styles and tempos at work here from a band with a lot of experience who are clearly enjoying expressing themselves. Highlights include the first single “Midas in Reverse” which opens the album with a punkish ferocity, to tracks such as “Down Mars to Ride” and “The Winner Has Los”t which have a dirty thrash-like vibe full of chugging, catchy riffs – with some classic acoustic interludes thrown in which really lift and add atmosphere. The tempo is then slowed somewhat on the excellent title track “Dead Dawn” and the doom-laden and impossibly catchy and foreboding “Hubris Fall” which grinds along menacingly.
The musicianship at work is as tight as always with their trademark dirty/buzzing guitars and LG’s angst ridden growling delivery combining with great effect.
Overall an excellent album from these legends, and a must for all Entombed fans.
Dead Dawn is out 26 February on Century Media.
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