Grotesque: In the Embrace of Evil (1996)

This is the last of the three Swedish death metal hidden gems Darkness Shall Rise Productions unearthed last year.

Grotesque was an early Swedish death metal band that featured Tomas Lindberg (At the Gates), then known as Goatspell, on vocals.  It also featured members of Liers in Wait, neatly tying all three of the bands together, though Grotesque actually is the band from which the other two flowed, pre-dating both and actually being one of the first Swedish death metal bands. 

This is a compilation featuring most of the recorded output by Grotesque from 1988 through 1990.  Unfortunately the band would not stay together long enough to release a full-length album, just like fellow Swedish death pioneers Nihilist (who basically split into Entombed and Unleashed).  This stands as the best way to check out the works of this highly influential band.

The earlier material features a strong Possessed influence, what with the razor-sharp, high-octane riffing style.  Later tracks clearly start to show that they paved the way for the likes of Dismember, with buzzing guitar riffs and harsh, barked vocals.  Occasionally, a slower, more occult-sounding section takes center stage.  It is clear throughout this release that the band was attempting to find itself.  But one thing never changed: each song fucking slays.  This is absolutely one of the greatest Swedish death metal releases of all time, and I say that as a huge fan of the scene. 

It is a damn shame that Grotesque did not stick around to release a full-length.  They were an amazingly talented group with a lot of great ideas that were just starting to take shape.  Of the three releases I have covered recently, this one is by far my favorite.  And that is truly saying something.