Hailing from the vibrant cultural epicenter of Aarhus, Denmark comes a powerhouse of unbridled blackened death. Despite the vibrant streets that attract tourists from all over and the great landmarks that dot this grand city lay hidden within the back alleys and much of the local live venues. Just below the surface resides a much different, more aggressive culture united by blaring guitars, harsh vocals and the pounding of relentless drums. This metal scene has forged some solid groups in the past. From ARKÆON, PANZERCHRIST and even the rock group SORT SOL are but only some of the bands that took form from this vibrant underground metal scene.

Taking up the mantle and paying homage to their scene’s flames of metal comes CROCELL, who came to life within 2007. Without wasting any time the band released their first debut album “The God We Drowned” that was recorded the same year and released shortly after within 2008. The album was received so well that  CROCELL received an award naming them “Metal Talent Of The Year” at the Danish Metal Awards. With this recognition and a growing fan base, this Danish collective took to the road on an infernal crusade.Stage after stage as they played sweat-soaked gigs carving their path forward. After seventeen years, CROCELL remains relevant and undeterred to this day. With multiple releases and having well over one hundred shows played in over ten countries, this group shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.With their latest album “Of Frost, Of Flame, Of Flesh” attesting to their well-established and unshakable reputation, we can only anticipate the albums raw intensity that is to be expected. Released June 28, 2024 under the label “Emanzipation Productions” of Denmark Showcases a heavy-hitting death metal that is coated with the blackened rawness. With eight tracks that crush you for 35:14 minutes and with a reputation like CROCELL, you know it will be good.

Looking at the artwork, I'm impressed. Blue shades over a black background depicting a skeleton holding on to something as a moon hangs over the upper left. A cold feeling of death. Their logo sits above the moon in the upper left corner while the album name is bottom center in an old english stylised font. The image looks painted and beautifully done. A strong resonating guitar rings out in a pleasant way before kicking in with the other more low tuned guitar kicks in with a heavy bass and solid drum beat. With the tone set, “Search of Solace” kicks off the album fast and hard. The raw vocals we have come to love from these guys hits with a dynamic visceral rawness. A nice slowed breakdown that builds into a melodic solo before the inhuman vocals pick up again. This song is flawless with all forms of dynamic elements.“Serpent’s Hunger” starts off with a well played melodic chord progression that leads into solid bass kicks that pulverize you before the raw darkened inhuman vocals that set the overall pace. All of this is coated by thick and heavy riffs that synergise the entirety of the track with precision. The vocals are so dynamic with false chords.

I just have to say that the production value on this album is insane. The mixing and mastering is done with such flawless precision that all the levels of everything just sit so perfectly.  Considering it was all done by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studios, it's no wonder everything sounds so clean and polished. For those who are unaware, that's the birthplace of albums from such bands as MOONSPELL, ABORTED, PANZERCHRIST and many others. Tried and true professionals who know what they are doing. Each track has something to offer and progresses through the album nicely, each with their own uniquely done introductions and structure while remaining true to an overall tonality and theme of the album. Well placed solos that are executed perfectly with amazing time signatures and fast and heavy chord progressions. This album is simply amazing. But what can you expect, coming from a seasoned group like CROCELL.

Closing off the album with “Epilogue”, we are treated with another well crafted melodic introduction. Slow paced and heavy, the raw elements can resonate through with influences of DISSECTION. A welcomed slower paced melodic outro of blackened instrumental that fits perfectly to end an overall amazing and intense album. CROCELL has truly created a masterpiece here of what Trv Kvlt blackened death is. With melodic elements that I can't help think may have been influenced by bands Like EMPEROR and DISSECTION, this band has forged their sound and perfected it. Their latest album “Of Frost, Of Flame, Of Flesh” is a must buy if you have a strong interest in all things black metal or death metal. This blackened death is something you need to have in your collection.