GRIM FATE has stepped right out of the early 90's Doom/Death scene and into my headphones. Slow tempos with downtuned, trem-picked riffs that are only slightly melodic. The band doesn't appear to have a drummer. They list a member as a programmer but the bio says this album has a session drummer. That's also my biggest problem with this album. The drums are a killer performance but mixed so low that they lack real impact. I would be willing to bet this album was mixed by a guitar player.

Upon first listen if you are a fan of bands like INCANTATION, AMORPHIS, EDGE OF SANITY or any other bands from that golden age of Doom/Death then these boys from the Netherlands will not disappoint. "Perished in Torment" is fucking sick with its slow doom like pulse before committing to D-beats and trem-riffs. This track is a standout in songwriting ability. It also is indicative of the album as a whole. Up to this point the band has refused to stray from the doomy depressive death formula. The final track, cheekily called "The Final Day," finds the band experimenting a little. Wind and rain gives way to slow doomy guitars before a clean guitar comes in over it. After few minutes of depressive Death, it give way to a cleaner section that would fit in on an EDGE OF SANITY album. The pulse come back even slower before the atmospheric melodies return. Let's hope the band explores this path in the future.

Overall, this is a solid release. Is it ground breaking? No. Does it satisfy the need for Doom/Death? Certainly. There are glimmers of personality poking throughout this release that I hope they explore on future releases. If you like your metal in an old school Relapse Records way, check out GRIM FATE today.