MORASS SKOFFIN is a death metal band from Germany, who formed in 2016. Their latest release ,”Descent” is their full-length debut album; they also released an EP in the year of their formation. “Descent” is one of those albums that’s a solid listen from beginning to end. It’s an album that doesn't attempt to reinvent the wheel or throw in a lot of twists but it’s so well composed that it doesn’t matter. From the first song, to the ending of the last note, this is probably the catchiest death metal album I’ve heard in the last few months. Its appeal is how balanced it is. It’s death metal but not overly brutal. This could also be placed in the melodic death camp but it isn’t overly melodic either. The song’s contain exactly what they need in the moment and not one element or passage wears out its welcome. The production is beefy, the album sounds powerful with a lot of weight behind it so even in its melodic moments, it sounds huge.

The album begins with the intro track, “Overture” and it’s actually solid with it’s melodic build up that leads into the first full song, “Scars of Fear.” This track is fast with a solid tempo but opens with melodic tinges dancing through the riffs while the drums beat the rhythm down. The vocal cadence is catchy, leading into an earworm of a chorus that makes for a fantastic opening song. It’s a safe bet that if you enjoy this one, the rest of the album will be a solid experience as well. Just after the halfway mark, a small burst of melodic riffs pulls back the tempo allowing breathing room for heavy riffs to alternate against the melodic ones. The title song is more immediate, a burner within the 20 second mark. This one is an example of the band at their best, when they tread the line between melody and brutal. The vocals and riffs compliment each other very well, both of them dealing double amounts of aggression. I like how the band keeps the faster paced tempo even during the melodic passage around the halfway mark.

“Ancient and Rotten,” is one of my favorites on the album—absolutely killer guitars and the rhythm section gives everything in service of non stop pummeling. The vocals are extra venomous too. The song switches back and forth between perpetual movement and chunkier riffs. The last couple minutes are the best, the concise drumming hitting sharply while the slightly groovy and hypnotic riffs do their thing. The final song , “The Wolf Within,” begins with clean tones before the band churns the water with vicious riffs. The drums and vocals build up endless energy and excitement–this song is a battery and is always reaching for a climax, hitting in, and then going for another. The solo is excellent and perfectly placed in the track.

MORASS SKOFFIN’s “Descent” is a downward spiral definitely worth taking. It is possible for death metal to provide memorable moments without losing any of its intensity and provide an engaging experience—”Descent” is proof of that.