ENDSEEKER is a death metal band that started in 2014, based out Germany and this is their third full-length album entitled "Mount Carcass" released on April 16^th, 2021, though Metal Blade Records.

Originally, I discovered this band about 3 years ago and I was blown away at how their sound and style was very much like ENTOMBED, except with a modern twist and less rock-oriented approach. I was intrigued as to where the band was sound-wise, 7 years into their existence.

The opener "Unholy Rites" gives a very good indication of where he band's mindset is at in 2021, with some nice melodies that transition into what we have known to love from these guys, the resonating low-tone guitars and blasting drums. When the song speeds up, this is as solid as AT THE GATES and the higher notes have resemblances to the Swedish metal influencers and even the almighty EDGE OF SANITY. I have always enjoyed the harsh side to Lenny's vocals, as they are growls, but easily understandable as well. An adrenaline-pumping start to the album.

"Merciless Tide" tends to have a bit more of a THE HAUNTED sound and slows the tempo down a bit, from the previous track, but it does not have less intensity, it just knows when to have a middle section that is a bit slower. The influence from Dan Swano is much more evident on this number in how the solos are performed and executed Considering I am a huge fan of his work, it is always a treat to hear his musical expertise in other projects. For those of you who remember the late 1990s DISMEMBER material, you will find nods to those majestic albums here as well.

What a great headbanger we have in "Bloodline", a simple and basic opening riff that oozes the essence of old school death metal. If there was one song to get you tapping your feet in appreciation (as I assume we all like to mimic some double-bass drum action from time to time), this would be it.  There is something absolutely timeless about these "money riffs", there is no complexity needed, it just has sufficient groove and a tad of melody to have you remember it.

Ironically, the title track "Mount Carcass" which happens to include one of the most legendary bands in the history of metal does have some inclinations to their musical nature. This is violent in nature and goes at 150 miles per hour. I felt like I was listening to a BAPHOMET song in 2021, yes, it is that damn good!

Another strong standout is the groove-based "Cult" which has more a laid-back structure if you compare it to some of the faster songs on the album, but it packs a punch with its memorable melodies (think early IN FLAMES). There is nothing greater in my estimation than the elements of thrash metal, death metal and groove metal all combined into one, it adds such a great dynamic to a song in this genre.

Last but not least, the band has given us quite a treat in a cover song from John Carpenter, "Escape from New York", probably the first time I have ever heard the kick drum so clearly on any of the band' material. Is this song heavy? Absolutely, and it is a fitting ending to the album considering it has a slow tempo, a slew of melodies and guitar harmonies. In the 1990s, it was common-place to have an instrumental end a melodic death album, and I find it still has its purpose in 2021.

While this album does not intend to break new ground, it relies on an amazing past of death metal and brings it into 2021. It encompasses everything that was great in the genre and makes it relevant in this new day of modern metal. Every single song for me on this record is a hit and shows how prolific these guys are in mastering nostalgia and giving it their own twist and flavor. If you are a fan of old school death metal like I am, you have to listen to these guys, and this new album would be a good starting point.