'Swedish Death Metal from Japan'

That statement is as interesting as it is confusing. However, it is what one will see when they search for FROSTVORE online. The four-piece band bringing their second release after a five-year hiatus. "Drowned In Blood", the name itself stands out to anyone who hears it, dark and foreboding, matched by the equally intricate and gruesome artwork (courtesy of artist Kenro Imamura)

The record opens with "Abandoned" which is the instrumental introduction to the album. Dark open-ended chords, dissonant notes and overarching doomy feel set the tone for what is to come. "Blackfield" hits the listener like a freight train. Relentless beats and aggressive riffage drive the track forwards and Satoshi's vocals are absolutely impeccable. Slight breaks to catch one's breath with drops in pace and some delectable guitar breaks only add to the standard that has already been laid down.

The energy and uncompromising aggression continue into and through "Path To Your Tomb", "Extreme Cold Torture" and into the titular "Drowned By Blood". This track sees a slower, sludgier pace, accented by upbeat sections that feel as though the narrator is panicking. It all compliments the title beautifully.

"The Reaper" sees a return to that untiring pace and unwaning aggression that FROSTVORE just excrete from everything they do. "Eroded Mind" again plays to the themes of the title, with a lot of chaotic effects, many moving parts and an overbearing mist that one with brain fog may relate to. To say that this is such a busy piece, all the elements were delivered to an incredible standard. "Lake of Vein" continues along the themes and stylings that we have come to appreciate and expect at this point. "Unholy Mountain" sees a final display to FROSTVORE's talents, with all of the intricacies and technicalities coming to the fore to see out the record in a stylish fashion.

Overall, this is a fantastic album. Fans of Death Metal, AUTOPSY and ENTOMBED are specially mentioned online, stand up and be counted. Check out FROSTVORE and begin to believe that there are the new Death Metal bands out there, we simply have to believe and give them the chance that they so desperately deserve.