From the EPK: Swedish melodic death metal force DEAD SUN returns with its brand new album, "This Life Is A Grave", another slab of dark, melodic, and riff-driven Death Metal crafted by the ever-prolific Rogga Johansson. Backed this time by drummer Thomas Ohlsson, the new record showcases DEAD SUN's unmistakable blend of heaviness, melancholy, and melody, proving once again that the band's creative fire burns stronger than ever. Before I go further, a bit of history on DEAD SUN. This year 2026 marks the thirtieth anniversary in the existence of this Rogga Johansson vehicle. Because that is exactly what it is, his brainchild, always completed with some help from other musicians. It took the band until 2013 before releasing its debut album, and since then another seven have followed, until this on. So the last 13 years have been rather fruitful for DEAD SUN and "This Life Is A Grave" is just over half an hour of pure Death Metal.

If I had to classify in what range of Death Metal to put "This Life Is A Grave" it would actually be easy listening, as the level of simplicity, accessibility and ease to your ears this is one of the easiest albums I have ever listened to in this particular musical genre. DEAD SUN makes it very easy to find them likeable, whilst never forgetting the fact that they also need to sound knowledgeable. Well, with the level of experience that band leader Rogga Johansson has and all the others bands and projects he participates in, I can understand that this, which purely comes out of his high hat, is not as elaborate and intricate as some of the other ones. You might even contemplate whether this is his way to unwind.

In just over half an hour you will hear nine songs by DEAD SUN that will have you tapping your foot, nodding your head while you are sitting back with a drink in your hand, simply admiring how good this sounds. The production is faultless, giving every instrument the room to let itself be heard. And then there is the unmistakeable and very distinguishable impressive grunt by Rogga Johansson to complete it all. Rather nice, if you ask me. Not more than nice? No, as I feel that in that half hour that "This Life Is A Grave" lasts every single song is in the same bracket when it comes to intensity and energy. DEAD SUN never slows down or speeds up, but they also never tone it down or ramp it up. As far as I'm concerned that is a pity.