KATAKOMBA were formed in 2016. The Death Metal outfit are from Stockholm, Sweden and released one EP in 2019. The self-named album is their debut full-length album, and it has a length of almost 36 minutes. It was produced by Fabian Broden and mastered by Dan Swanö at his Unisound Studio. The album was released via US extreme Metal label Redefining Darkness Records.

The album starts fast with "Damnatio Ad Bestias" and with the best elements that Swedish Death Metal can offer: down-tuned guitars, tight riffing, growling vocals which are versatile covering a good part of the guttural vocal range, and the grim atmosphere that is enhanced by the lead guitars. The lead guitar solo towards the end of the track contributes very well to the sound. KATAKOMBA had some support by guest vocalist Adrian Selmani (WRETCHED FATE) and Mats Andersson (WRETCHED FATE) who provided the lead guitar solo. The title song starts powerful with a slow and stomping rhythm and crunching bass lines. The riffing sounds blood-freezing and so do the vocals. KATAKOMBA waltz their way through the track like a steam roller. Highlight is the lead guitar solo, which is accompanied by hammering blast-beats and a transition to a short break at frantic speed, before the steam roller makes it way until the end of the track.

"Tomb Of The Desecrated" starts at mid-tempo and a lead guitar solo. The track frequently changes rhythm and speed, which adds complexity to the riffing and drumming. "Tomb Of The Desecrated" is a bit challenging to follow, because of the many twists and turns. A common feature throughout the track is the doom-laden atmosphere even during the hammering parts at breakneck speed. "Sacrifice" starts dark and powerful. It is predominantly a mid-tempo track with subtle changes in rhythm. The lead guitar contributions are the highlight of the track. "Sacrifice" is the official video release with the YouTube link given below.

"Skarseld" is the instrumental interlude that was needed to have a little breather. The Death Metal assault continues with "Worship Death" and it starts with an extended instrumental part where the bass lines are dominant, before the mid-tempo hammering takes over with the flesh-ripping riffing and the brutal growls. The down-tempo break offers plenty of doom and gloom with the riffs and the lead guitars as the song finally transitions into an acoustic guitar driven finale. "Embalmed In Concrete" has a fast start and despite the mid-tempo breaks in between, it is one of the fastest tracks on the album. Guest contributions come from LIK as Niklas Sandin (also KATATONIA) provided the lead guitar solo and Tomas Åkvik joined on the vocals.

"Death Opus" has a Doom inspired and slow start, before it turns into a mid-tempo track where the guitar riffing and the lead guitars carry the track forward. The extended lead guitar solo belongs to the album highlights, overall the lead contributions are second to none on "Death Opus". The album finishes with "Left For The Vultures To Feed". It is one of the slower tracks with pounding rhythms during the verse parts. KATAKOMBA smartly switch rhythms throughout the track by maintaining a grim atmosphere throughout. The vocals sound as they come straight from the abyss and Fabian Broden has vocal support by former bandmate Jakob Isaksson. The lead guitars deliver another great solo, making sure that "Katakomba" finishes strongly.

KATAKOMBA release a very good traditional Death Metal album. The self-titled debut album shows the beauty of traditional Swedish Death Metal. Listening to "Katakomba" made me feel like being back 30 years ago and the raw production contributed to that. KATAKOMBA carry the flag of classical Death Metal, but their sound is authentic. The riffing, the lead guitars, and the bass lines tell the KATAKOMBA story of Swedish Death. With Fabian Broden, they have a vocalist, who has the versatility to keep the sound together and add another level of quality. KATAKOMBA are a very promising band, who could become a serious force in the Death Metal scene during the upcoming years.