Entombed’s Clandestine stands as a monumental testament to their ambition and creative growth, cementing their place in the pantheon of Swedish death metal. Following the genre-defining Left Hand Path, this sophomore effort sees the band refining their sound, introducing dynamic intricacies and complex compositions that elevate their music beyond the raw aggression of their debut. While comparisons to Left Hand Path are inevitable, Clandestine carves its own niche as a challenging, multifaceted album brimming with technical prowess and atmospheric depth.
The album opens with “Living Dead,” a masterclass in dynamics and pacing. Its shifting tempos, eerie melodies, and razor-sharp riffing set the tone for what’s to come. Nicke Andersson, stepping in as the primary creative force, not only delivers a powerhouse performance on drums but also handles vocal duties with a raw, emotive energy that complements the album’s darker themes. Although Andersson’s vocal delivery differs from LG Petrov’s iconic growls, it imbues the record with an edge that feels both urgent and experimental.
Guitarists Alex Hellid and Ulf Cederlund shine throughout the album, their interplay weaving a rich tapestry of riffs and harmonies. Tracks like “Blessed Be” and “Chaos Breed” highlight their ability to seamlessly blend melodic elements with crushing heaviness. The infamous HM-2 buzzsaw tone remains a cornerstone of their sound, yet here it feels even more refined, crafting an immersive wall of noise that defines the album’s sinister atmosphere.
One of Clandestine’s standout traits is its structural complexity. Unlike the straightforward intensity of its predecessor, this album opts for a more progressive approach. Songs like “Crawl” and “Through the Collonades” showcase the band’s willingness to explore new textures and moods, balancing death metal’s ferocity with moments of doom-laden melancholy. The latter track, with its haunting conclusion, serves as a fitting bookend, leaving a lasting impression of despair and grandeur.
However, Clandestine is not without its imperfections. Tracks like “Stranger Aeons,” while memorable, feel more direct and less adventurous compared to the album’s highlights. Similarly, the sequencing of certain songs could have been reworked to maintain the momentum established in the album’s first half. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall craftsmanship and ambition of the record shine through.
The album’s production, while cleaner than Left Hand Path, enhances its intricacies without sacrificing the raw edge that defines Entombed’s sound. Every instrument is given space to breathe, from Lars Rosenberg’s solid basslines to Andersson’s dynamic drumming. The result is a sonic landscape that feels both expansive and claustrophobic, drawing listeners into its nightmarish world.
Ultimately, Clandestine is a bold, daring evolution of Entombed’s sound. While it may not carry the immediate impact of their debut, its depth and complexity reward repeated listens, revealing new layers of brilliance with each spin. For fans of death metal and beyond, this album remains a cornerstone of the genre, showcasing a band unafraid to push boundaries and redefine their legacy.
