Album Review: Glacial Tomb – Lightless Expanse (Prosthetic Records)

Sludge-infused death and black metal band, Glacial Tomb will leave their mark on 2024 when they release their second full length studio album, ‘Lightless Expanse’. It will be unleashed on September 20th, 2024, Prosthetic Records on September 20, 2024.

Unleashing a cacophony of ugly and brutal noise from the very start, Glacial Tomb set out the goal of this album, and it’s a painful one. It’s a goal that aims to leave the listener in a foetal position crying out for mercy. Which, when you consider the album begins in such savage fashion, seems to be a goal they will reach with ease. Stygian Abattoir, Voidwomb, and Enshrined in Concrete, the first third of the album, is blow after blow.

The meshing of black and death is truly feral sounding here, and Glacial Tomb give their sound a thicker feel with elements of sludge. Instrumentally wild, featuring exceptional moments of garish and creative flair, and ruthlessly twisted, vocally.

The vicious thrills keep on coming as Abyssal Host burns with blackened fire and delivers a stonker of a guitar solo. Then there is Sanctuary, an uncouth example of both the meaty and manic aspects of Glacial Tomb’s instrumental sound. Before Seraphic Mutilation delivers something so remarkably sharp, that it’s no surprise that blood is spilt. If you are in any doubt about the horrible heft that Glacial Tomb has, this section of the album will put them to rest.

Especially as the final third of the album continues to bring about a wealth of brutalising dissonance and feral intensity. A crashing of noisy instruments and growling vocals greet on the wicked pairing of Worldsflesh and Wound of Existence. Glacial Tomb showcasing some ‘old-school’ blackened death metal flair here. Before, and finally, it’s the title track and one last blast of thickness to enjoy. The mayhem is downplayed at first, but be prepared, this one erupts into carnage.

It’s mean and it’s ugly, but god-damn, is it likable. Glacial Tomb have stepped their game up and delivered an album to make you gurn with pleasure.

Glacial Tomb – Lightless Expanse Track Listing:

1. Stygian Abattoir
2. Voidwomb
3. Enshrined in Concrete
4. Abyssal Host
5. Sanctuary
6. Seraphic Mutilation
7. Worldsflesh
8. Wound of Existence
9. The Lightless Expanse

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