At long last, legendary American death metal cult Embalmer returns with their long-awaited second album, Emanations From the Crypt, set for international release on April 1st via Hells Headbangers. The long-running band's first album for longtime fans Hells Headbangers, Emanations From the Crypt is both a new start for Embalmer and a return to its classic, core values. In 1995, the band released the classic There Was Blood Everywhere EP (of which Hells Headbangers reissued in 2014, and which sold out quickly) on then-death metal powerhouse Relapse Records, forever etching Embalmer's name into death metal legendry. Lineup shuffles ensued in the following years, culminating in the band's debut album, 2006's 13 Faces of Death, which is widely regarded (even by the band) as a misstep. Now armed with a vital 'n' vile lineup, Embalmer return to their dark 'n' disgusting roots with Emanations From the Crypt. Across a dozen quick-hitting yet complete tracks, you will find all the trademark Embalmer elements which obsessed fans back in the '90s: insane and completely pure blastbeats, sewer-sick riffing, wretched gurgles, and tortured shrieks atop some of the catchiest (but NOT cheesy) songwriting you'll find on a modern DEATH METAL record. The production is anything but "modern" in the pejorative sense: there are no triggers used on the drums, no beat- or riff-replacement anywhere, and just absolute crushing SICKNESS flowing forth from both guitar and bass, all without losing an ounce of clarity. It's a classic death metal record from a classic death metal band in an era that's far from "classic" and full of pretenders. Embalmer are the real deal again.
Says vocalist Paul Gorefiend, "This record is long-overdue, and we acknowledge that. The band never was truly happy with the 13 Faces of Death album, so we worked hard to really make sure this release was a return-to-form of sorts, and true representation of what we feel Embalmer is, and always has been. We went back to the basics and drew influence from the original Into the Oven and There was Blood Everywhere eras musically, peppered in some extra Terrorizer/Autopsy influences, added some crazed Deranged Rated-X-style riffing over the top, and backed it all against the blasting, non-triggered drum assault Roy has become known for. Matter of fact, Roy still plays the same drum-set he bought in 1988, and used for all previous recordings. Vocally, all the elements older fans expect from an Embalmer release are present, from forceful lows, the trademark eeeeeees, and tortured shrieks and highs. I am speaking as a 20-plus-year fan myself, and not a member when I tell you this is the most aggressive, blistering and punishing Embalmer release to date. Yes, the wait was long but definitely worth it, and we honestly can't wait to get this music out to the fans and hear their feedback!"
Hear for yourself, as Embalmer reveal the title track to Emanations From the Crypt on Hells Headbangers' Bandcamp, where the CD/LP/Tape/Shirt can also be pre-ordered HERE.
