CVLT Nation’s Top 6
Death Metal Albums of 2013

2013 has been an odd year for death metal. Big names have had their lives officially resuscitated (for better or worse), others have continued to explore lightly-tread realms of the genre and then finally, a few of my favorites, have re-explored what made the genre so special in it’s infancy and adolescence.

You’ll see me leaning to the latter for this list, as one of the few good recent fads I’ve seen in extreme music has been the adoration of Incantation, one of my favorite death metal bands. Big names like Gorguts, Carcass and Autopsy have also thrown in their hats, to much critical praise, but failed to move me; death metal should never sound so sterile.

So, without further adieu, I present to you the Top 6 Death Metal Albums of 2013.

6. Convulse – Evil Prevails

Remember when I complained about old bands giving it a go again? Well Convulse shut me up as Evil Prevails has a bit of everything that should appease the most seasoned metalhead. Album opener “We Kill our Kind” is my favorite of the short LP, as it’s mid-tempo groove is the perfect setting for Rami Jämsä’s vulgar grunts (something that’s a real selling point of the LP). The difference from track to track can be a bit jarring (the acoustic outro of “Unholy War” or oddball refrain of “Days of Dark”) but some nice surprises keep me coming back, like the choir in “Evil Prevails” or the beautiful harmonized guitars that round out the end of “God is Delusion.” So don’t write these Finns off, as their live show at MDF this past year and this album point to them hanging around for a bit, and thankfully so.

5. Morbosidad  – Muerte De Cristo En Golgota

While being one of the better purveyors of Ross Bay Cult-influenced metal, it wasn’t until this one that I felt Morbosidad really nailed it down. The attack is in a much more aggressive grindcore fashion and is less weighty and sluggish. The somewhat decipherable Spanish vocals and a seemingly endless jumble of quick solos solidify their venomous attack. There’s a tightness, clarity, and brevity about this album that really sets it apart from the rest of those “goat” bands.

4. Coffins – The Fleshland

If you asked me who’s the best death metal band this side of the century, I’d say Coffins without hesitation. The Fleshland, their first full length in 5 years, depicts a thinner, more Mental Funeralesque production and main vocals courtesy of  bassist Koreeda. Apart from those changes, Coffins continue their brand of Hellhammer meets Autopsy meets Winter style of heavier-than-lead death metal with maybe a bit more of a gallop than previous times. While the album lacks the elite track listing of Buried Death, “The Vacant Pale Vessel,” “Here Comes Perdition” and “The Colossal Hole” are the reasons for this album’s success.

3. Machetazo – Ruin

Spain’s horror junkies Machetazo have enjoyed a long span of grindcore that’s always incorporated an ample dose of death metal to their sound. However, unlike previous efforts, Ruin lays way more in the death metal spectrum and frankly, is better. The putrid production gives the album and authentic sound that’s unique yet old. Hell, the band even gets slow on tracks “Espectro,” “Tanatorio” and the uncharacteristically somber album closer, “Ruinas” – all of which being exceptional additions to the band’s sound. This is the only logical way for Machetazo to continue as themselves, yet offer something new; and man, is it good. For more, read my review here.

2.  Ruin Lust – Ruin Lust

Ruin Lust is 27 minutes of  primal death metal that nods both to Incantation and Blasphemy. The band bulldozes through each track and plays with such ferocity that I can’t help but wonder how much money was spent on spare strings, sticks and skins (the drums are a real highlight here, as Mike hits stupidly hard). Double bass bouts bring out glorious moments of groove, while razorwire guitars slash about, creating dense and craggy tones that stab out in the form of catchy tremolo riffs (like in “Tethered and Lashed”) or mash you about (like in the early parts of “Skin Hunger”). For more, read my review here.

1. Grave Miasma – Odori Sepulcrorum

The unmistakable Incantation influences provide the groundwork for Grave Miasma to explore more sinister tones and windows of clarity that are much welcomed. Contrasting the fetid production (something that’s perfect) with bouts of clear cutting guitars that arise like a charmed viper, showing the bands skill in making tangible melodies amidst the suffocating atmosphere. Where bands like Antediluvian, Grave Upheaval and Mitochondrion have taken their Incantation worship to drone-like extremes, Grave Miasma retains riffs, groove and recognizable traits that further embed the album’s atmosphere in the listener. Atmospheric touches such as exotic instrumentation or brief interludes strengthen the experience and add a curious charm to the album. This is an exceptional album without gimmicks that achieves a rare feat in blending obvious influences into something original.