GOREFEST

Release Year: 2019
Artist Origin: NED
Style: dark evil groovy death metal

on this very tasty return after seven year hiatus [2005], where historical Dutch crew reconnects with their death metal roots and lively tempos while retaining the best elements of their groove era, this comeback album surprises with more layered arrangements and nuanced dynamics, as tightly locked rhythm guitars interact with subtly syncopated bass lines, while the drums shift effortlessly between punishing double-kick assaults and restrained, tension-building passages, creating a push-and-pull that enhances the impact of each riff; melodic overlays appear unexpectedly, adding darkly atmospheric textures without sacrificing aggression, and JC's vocal delivery oscillates between guttural ferocity and cleaner, almost narrative passages, making new cuts both familiar and refreshingly innovative, highlighting compositional maturity, thematic cohesion, and an expanded sonic palette that convincingly proves Gorefest remains a vital, evolving force in extreme metal; recent British gatefold sleeve double yellow/white splattered orange vinyl edition