SKELETAL REMAINS - The Entombment of Chaos
Century Media Records
So it's been a few years since this California death metal act released their last full length, Devouring Mortality, which came out on Dark Descent Records. Just for the record I've been a fan of these guys since their second full length, Condemned to Misery, which was released in 2015. Basically their first three albums pushed this old school death metal sound via influences from great ones like ASPHYX, OBITUARY and DEATH.
So here on their four full length, and on their new label, the band has gone through some major changes. First off guitarist/vocalist Chris Monroy is still at the helm and that's the only thing not different. Guitarist Adrian Obregon is gone and is replaced with Mike De La O who supposedly was the band's original six string slayer. Although I never saw em listed on any albums. Also the band's rhythm section has been changed with some guy from WARBRINGER on bass and a drummer who's bounced around a lot.
I noticed a slight difference in sound upon first listening to this. That was before I learned of the band line-up changes. I'm sure fans will notice as well. Sure they're still firmly planted in the realm of old school death metal. But you can throw away their past influences. This new one comes off sounding like a mix of PESTILENCE meets MORBID ANGEL. Mike De La O obviously comes from the Trey Azagthoth school of dive bomb guitar soloing. The new rhythm section is tighter than a frog's ass (aka: water tight). The only constant is Chris Monroy's vocals and basic riff structures.
For the most part The Entombment of Chaos is a decent punch to your fuckin face. The first half is delivered with precision and brutality. But for me it's the second half of the album with songs like "Torturous Ways to Obliteration" and "Eternal Hatred" which bring on the weight of hate. Monroy reignites his Martin Van Drunen style caustic vocals better on these cuts. Strangely enough the second half of this release reminds me of their past. While the first part comes across as a newer, streamlined version. In the end it's still a damm good one.
LISTEN HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hprr7gRL1d0
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