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Wombripper's second full-length, Macabre Melodies, is an unrelenting masterclass in chainsaw-wielding death metal worship, delivered with a sharpened sense of melody and an unwavering commitment to the grotesque. Hailing from Russia but spiritually rooted in Stockholm circa 1991, the band confidently builds upon the HM-2-drenched foundations laid by Dismember and Entombed, while weaving in sinister threads of Gothenburg’s more melodic leanings.
From the opening riff, it’s clear that Wombripper are not content with mere homage. Their sound is thick, grimy, and aggressive, yet gleaming with memorable hooks and tightly crafted arrangements. Riffs slice and churn like bone saws, underscored by ferocious blastbeats and guttural vocals that call to mind both Scandinavian and Floridian traditions. And while melody is ever-present, it never undermines the raw brutality—each lead and solo adds color without diluting the rot.
What sets Macabre Melodies apart is its eerie atmosphere. It doesn’t just rip; it lurks. There's a grave-soaked gloom that seeps through the mix, giving the album an identity that feels both familiar and fresh. Standout moments feature tasteful tempo shifts and searing harmonies, keeping the record dynamic and immersive from start to finish.
A clear step up in both performance and songwriting, this album marks Wombripper’s most fully realized vision to date. For fans of the classic Swedish sound—think Like an Ever Flowing Stream, Left Hand Path, or Souls to Deny—this is essential listening. Macabre Melodies is exactly what the title suggests: grisly, memorable, and impossible to shake.
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