MP3: Tribulation - Crypt of Thanatophilia
I might post one more track before I call it a week, but I really am running low on music that I'm unequivocally enthusiastic about, so make of that what you will. Remember: next week is all negativity. I am an ill-tempered jerk.
Hopefully I don't gush about it too much, but I'm way into the current old-school Swedish death metal revival and Tribulation is one of the finer, younger bands in that style. I purchased a copy of their debut full-length LP "The horror" not too long ago (beautiful gatefold + matte print job, btw) completely blind, having never heard the band and banking completely on the reputation of Blood Harvest. I needed the Graveless and Bastard Priest demo tapes (both of which totally rule), so figured I'd take a chance. Worst case scenario, there's always the lucrative limited vinyl resale market. I'm no flipper, but it's good to know the option exists. Anyhow, these dudes are often compared to Merciless in that they've got quite a bit of thrash influence and loads of speedy blast parts; likewise I also detect a definite resemblance to Dissection. Tribulation's sound is a bit more meaty that they were without being too groove-oriented, but they've also got a blackened side that shines through in their melodies and horror-inspired interludes. I'm not surprised there's plenty of old dudes out there playing quality DM in the old ways, but it's even better that there's young folk out there to help carry the torch further.
Tribulation - Crypt of Thanatophilia