Released in 1994, Bitterness finds Desultory at the peak of their creative powers, forging a sound that straddles the line between death metal ferocity and deeply felt melodic sensibility. Recorded at Sunlight Studios with Tomas Skogsberg at the helm, this sophomore effort builds confidently on the foundation laid by Into Eternity, offering a more textured, mature, and emotionally resonant experience.
The most striking evolution comes through the guitar work. Stefan Pöge’s leads weave haunting, expressive melodies into the dense framework of heavy, churning riffs. His playing feels less tethered to traditional thrash roots, instead embracing broader influences — hints of classic heavy metal grandeur and progressive nuance shimmer just beneath the surface. The result is a series of songs that, while still rooted firmly in death metal, explore a wider range of dynamics and moods without ever sacrificing intensity.
Klas Morberg’s vocal delivery also steps into a new dimension. Shifting from the sharper rasp of the debut to a more robust, impassioned roar, his performance on Bitterness captures the bleak introspection and defiance that pulse through the album’s lyrics. Whether it's the visceral attack of "Left Behind" or the brooding atmospherics of "Among Mortals," Morberg’s voice remains a commanding presence, guiding the listener through Desultory’s layered compositions.
Each track reveals a commitment to songcraft that feels almost ahead of its time. Standouts like "Taste of Tragedy" and "Life Shatters" combine urgent, memorable riffs with thoughtful, shifting structures, while "A Closing Eye" and "Winter" unfold more gradually, revealing their depths over repeated listens. Special mention must be made of the closing title track, "Cold Bitterness," where the band achieves a perfect convergence of aggression, melancholy, and technical mastery — a fitting, unforgettable finale.
Despite arriving during a turbulent moment for Swedish death metal — as the Stockholm scene waned and melodic death metal took root in Gothenburg — Bitterness stands as an uncompromising and unique statement. Where others chased trends, Desultory carved their own path, delivering a work that remains remarkably fresh, vital, and emotionally resonant decades later.
In hindsight, Bitterness wasn't just a continuation; it was a bold evolution. Desultory proved that heaviness and melody could coexist without diluting either, crafting an album that still holds a special place among the most artful achievements of '90s death metal.
