One feature that's interesting about the second album of the greater part of the famous Death Metal acts of Sweden in the 90's: all of them brought the bands expanding their limits, their musical possibilities. It's a mere case that there are fans that have "Clandestine", "Indecent and Obscene" and "Shadows in the Deep" as their favorite albums of Death Metal, because the bands really worked hard on the (and were extremely inspired). And it happened on DESULTORY's second album as well. "Bitterness" is many steps ahead that their first release.

Still keeping their feet on Death Metal, the band explored a lot the Swedish melodic sense that was heard on "Into Eternity", as well as came to put more personality on what they did. The songs are better sharpened, with charming arrangements improving things to a level that was hard in those days. And in the middle of Death Metal brutality, they dare to use some melancholic elements (heard clearly on "Life Shatters"), many excellent hooks, but be prepared, because the band is still brutal and can pulverize the bones of the fans easily. Tomas Skogsberg once more worked with the band as producer and sound engineer, and things came to a level that is amazing. The sonority keeps many Death Metal aspects and elements, but the definition is in a level that even the tiniest arrangement can be heard, and what great sets instrumental tunes were chosen.

The album is excellent from its first seconds to the last drop of music, but for a first experience on it (and just for it, because on the second, the fans will love to hear all the songs), the abrasive and melancholic Death Metal weight of "Life Shatters" (excellent melodic arrangements of the guitars), the fast and hook appeal of "Left Behind" (that shows a tendency similar to that one presented in "Into Eternity", but with a better work of bass guitar and drums), "A Closing Eye" (this one uses a slower insight, enabling bass guitar to show excellent arrangements in many parts, and great guitars), the mastodonic weight and catchy parts of "Bleeding" and "Among Mortals" (this last one has some fast Death Metal moments), and the solid and massive set of melodic hooks of "Winter" are the right ones.

Yes, DESULTORY created a masterpiece on "Bitterness", and still today it shines with its value. Listen to it and enjoy!