GRAND CADAVER is a bit of a super-group, fronted by DARK TRANQUILLITY vocalist Mikael Stanne. From their Bandcamp page, "GRAND CADAVER was formed by five Swedes in the early summer of 2020. Everyone has been involved in the Swedish extreme music scene since its birth, in the mid '80s, and forward. From Thrash Metal to Stockholm Death Metal to Gothenburg Death Metal to Doom Metal and Progressive Metal, the band is meant to celebrate their past but also embrace where they are today. "Madness Comes" contains four tracks.

"Madness Comes" opens the album, with a super-heavy and low riff, and deep, guttural vocals. It's heavier and less melodic than DARK TRANQILLITY's work, that is for sure. There is some structure present as well, but it's tough to parcel out the chorus from the verses. "Staff of the Oppressor" opens with a slow and weighted groove, leading to an all-out assault on your senses, complete with double kick drum and fast-picked guitars. There is a moment of melody from the guitar parts towards the end of the song.

"Blood Filled Skies" is another scorcher when it comes to the impact is makes in a short amount of time (three-minutes in length). It opens with some heavy and aggressive guitar work, and the uncompromising vocals of Stanne. It's pretty standard Death Metal for me. "Field of the Undying" is another three-minute song that brings more of the same to the table...used riffs, straight line thinking, and an overall blueprint that you have heard before.

Overall, I think I have a clear idea of the album through four songs. It's nothing special or does not stand out in any way for me, although Stanne's vocals are a highlight for sure. Given his body of consistent work with his main band, I'm a bit surprised at the lack of inventiveness here. I did not find much to champion here, and I think you'd be better off skipping this one. The production doesn't help much either. They are going for that old school grunginess, but it comes though as poor for me.