At thirty-three minutes, Gruesome showcases a wider technical scale and complexity that seems to shift on each of the eight songs. Over a decade, the band presented itself as one of the finest purveyors of classic death metal and homage to the band Death, they have accelerated their technical riffing prowess by combining excellent instrumentation and a complex, jazzy musical landscape.

The songwriting is tighter, focusing on the heavy, brutal riffing compared to the band’s sophomore release, “Twisted Prayers”, which replicated the style of Death’s 1990 masterpiece “Spiritual Healing” album. Gruesome returns after seven years with an engrossing shift in sound; the heavy guitar tone on the opening track “Condemned Identity” is a monstrous incarnation of the band’s influence in the sonic realm of technical death metal.

The brutal riffing and intricate bass guitar are layered with great lead guitar work, and the growling of Matt Harvey is the icing on top. You can easily recognize the seminal influence that retains memories of evil Chuck’s growls, while the melodies keep you hooked, and the drums batter you with brutal fills. The composition is refined, and the signature vocals and the razor-sharp riffing style of Death.

Gruesome‘s major evolution changed gradually after the 2015 debut full-length album “Savage Land” to the 2017 “Fragments of Psyche” EP, and stayed true to the foundational old school sound.

“A Darkened Window” showcases unique individual qualities from the respected members; the rhythm section is powerful and refreshingly old-fashioned, and there is also room for musical experimentation, where the frantic tempos deliver a heavy onslaught. The aggression builds up naturally in the traditional approach without shifting away from the old school death metal brutality.

It is flawlessly and simply catchy to hear the riff and pounding drum work that paves progressive passages on the track “Frailty”, which is an inspiring and aggressive, challenging the method of modern brutal death metal bands.

The third studio album prompts unbridled fury, the clarity of the riffs hits you hard with each tempo, with a constant presence of rhythm guitars and excellent drumming dynamics. The passing of the legendary Cynic drummer and Human-era Death drummer Sean Reinert in 2020 was one of the reasons why the album was postponed. The versatile drumming and inspiring work of vocalist and guitarist Matt Harvey, lead guitarist Daniel Gonzalez, bassist Robin Mazin, and Gus Rios combine a diverse and multi-layered approach. For example, the guitar solos layer excellent technique and old school patterns without sacrificing the strength and extremity.

The rhythm guitar and heavy bass tone add flavor to the songs, with the staggering professionalization of delivering a full force of death metal onslaught. The foundational sound is achieved by these talented musicians who present varied technicality and skills that elevate their work on the latest endeavor.

“Silent Echoes” is one of the heaviest songs, showcasing the array of technical riffing, musical progression, and layered guitar work that bring bands such as Cynic and Atheist to one’s mind. The transition on each track is perfect, especially the effective guitar section midway through the track, which displays unique qualities. The jazzy soloing excels in every musical sphere and demonstrates the excellent drumming work and unpredictable soloing capabilities.

The atmospheric touches on the instrumental song “Voice within the Void” would make Chuck Schuldiner proud; the integrational elements of the synth background subdue with a rapid, heavy riffing. It seems that Gruesome found the right patterns from Death’s songs like “Cosmic Sea”, “Vacant Planets”, and “Lack of Comprehension” in the following song, “Fragments of Psyche“, while still being able to reach the maximum level of progression and technicality.

The unique riffing on this album, combined with dense drumming, relentless aggression, and dark, evil growls, the riffs and melodies are rooted in the classic style of old-school death metal. Even on the final track, “Reason Denied”, proves that no other band can replicate the musical theory of Chuck Schuldiner, as the band Gruesome has perfectly nailed a flawless sound similar to Death‘s album “Human“.

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