Info
- Band(s): Glutted Swarm
- Label(s): Behind the Mountain, Echoes from Beneath, Terozin Mag & Tapes
- Release Format(s): Cassette, CD
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: November 7, 2024
- Author(s): FelixS
Throughout the entire history of Heavy Metal as an overarching genre, it has been proven on several occasions that originality is not a must when it comes to producing great music. By borrowing from your major sources of inspiration, certain needs can be met, especially for fellow fans of that particular sound. For instance, there are many bands that pay their not-so-subtle homage to bands like Hellhammer (Warhammer, Apocalyptic Raids), Carcass (The County Medical Examiners) not to mention the many acts that copy the Swedish Death Metal sound along the lines of Entombed or Grave.
And then you have bands that have a more than obvious nod to the great masters, but put their own twist on it. For instance, it is impossible to listen to Obituary without hearing a thick Celtic Frost vibe. Now, they have never made a secret of this and even played Celtic Frost songs several times, of which ‘Circle Of The Tyrants’ is the most famous and also ended up on their 1990 ‘Cause Of Death’ album.
In turn, of course, Obituary has also been a very influential band for so many after them. However, the number of bands that really sound like Obituary is a lot smaller than bands that have put themselves in the shadow of the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Dismember or Incantation. All the more fun, then, to hear Glutted Swarm from Canada now, who have fully embraced the classic Obituary sound and are completely dedicated to it.
Glutted Swarm is the one-man band of Anatol Anton (Tarvos), who himself is responsible for writing the music and playing the guitar and bass. On the other positions, including the solos, he is assisted by some friends, but it is really as if we are listening to a record with forgotten Obituary recordings. At least, Obituary with a different singer. Because John Tardy’s signature screaming primal roar is absent here and replaced by a (slightly rougher) Asphyx-like grunt.
The nice thing about ‘…Of Old’ is also that in just under 30 minutes, it gives a complete cross-section of what Obituary has to offer. The solid foundation does include the sound of ‘Slowly We Rot’ and ‘Cause Of Death’, but also the somewhat later work (from after the ‘Frozen In Time’ comeback album) that is particularly apparent through the very deep grooving riffs is well represented. But it doesn’t stop there, as the Ralph Santola period, with its signature solos can also be found on this record. Although slightly less obvious, even the somewhat later 90’s records are represented through the distinctly more staccato chopping drumming.
Needless to say, you shouldn’t turn to Glutted Swarm for originality. But if, like me, you never get tired of that Celtic Frosted Death Metal from the boys from Tampa, then this is clearly the place to be. If you don’t want to analyse everything to pieces and just enjoy grooving riffs, thundering drums and… well, just a slab of no-nonsense Death Metal, then I would recommend you keep your eyes open and pick up ‘…Of Old’ whenever you get the chance!
Terozin Mag & Tapes
- Country: Bulgaria
- Style: Death Metal, Black Metal, Thrash Metal
- Links: Homepage, Youtube
