Those of the Morbid by Leper Colony (Testimony Records)

Leper Colony
Those of the Morbid
Testimony Records

To make death metal feel seamless is not an easy thing to do. But when you have the best in both German and Swedish roots, death metal becomes a stream of consciousness for Leper Colony.

German vocalist Marc Grewe from Morgoth, Insidious Disease, and Asinhell and guitarist and bassist Rossa Johansson (Paganizer, Ribspreader, and Revolting) joined together to build a strong foundation to set the stage for excellence. Håkan Stuvemark from Wombbath now assumes lead guitarist duties and shines through shredded solos on “Master’s Voice” and “Realm of Madness.” Drummer Jon Rudin (Monstrous and Dead Sun) rounds out this team.

Equipped with superhuman musical talent, Those of the Morbid unleash song after song of raging death metal while never stretching into the absurd or contorting beyond their niche style. You can feel where they learned from their debut and expanded on the strength of their sound.

You have the best in horror with “Creature from the Deep” and “Flesh To Rot To Ashes” that coincides with the outlandish cover art grotesquery. And the faint stench of 1990s Slayer seeps in on occasion. Those of the Morbid is a gateway to try out some new things, push forward others, and pave a path for a greater existence despite expectations based on the band’s resume. This is a solid release throughout.