KATAKOMBA hailing from Stockholm, Sweden were formed in 2016. The Death Metal outfit released one EP and one full-length album so far. Their sophomore album "The Second Death" was produced and mixed by vocalist Fabian Broden and mastered by Lawrence Mackrory (DARKANE; FRANTIC AMBER; MESHUGGAH). The album has a length of about 32 minutes, and it was released via Swedish Stoner, Sludge, and Doom Metal specialists Majestic Mountain Records. The album starts with the fast track "Aquelarre". It is a classical Swedish Death Metal track with the chainsaw guitars, the typical drumbeats, the devastating guitar riffing, and the grim melodies. The vocals are growls varying between the deep to medium end of the guttural range. The track has a simple verse/chorus structure, while the riffing is direct and aggressive. The break maintains the tempo and offers a short but contributing lead guitar solo. "Aquelarre" is a strong opening track. "Atropos" starts at a measured tempo with thunderous guitar riffing supported by the double-bass drumming. The rhythm is sluggish during the verse part, however, there is a seamless transition towards crazy pace during the middle of the verse. The vocals have support by Rickard Törnqvist (SVARTKONST), who delivers additional growls and adds an extra layer to the track. The melodies are blood-freezing, and the track has a few BLOODBATH vibes at times. "Atropos" is one of the album highlights.

"To Sow Dragons Teeth" continues with the grim Death Metal onslaught, and after continuing with the tempo and rhythm of the previous track, there is a switch towards blistering pace. The guitar sound is punishing, and the vocals utilize a few higher growls and screams. For the choruses, the pace drops down to a measured tempo with thunderous guitar riffs. "Amour Fow / The Second Death" is frantic right from the start and goes into the verse part at crazy pace. The guitar riffing is powerful and there are a few subtle twists in tempo and rhythm. There is a prominent lead guitar contribution during the verse and chorus parts, which add an extra dimension to the track. While the main riffs are direct, the rhythm changes add more complexity to the guitar riffing during the middle part of the track. The melodies remain spine-chilling throughout the song. "Mori In Absentia" is introduced with a huge scream, leading into the verse part at insane pace. The guitar riffing is punishing and supported by crushing basslines and very aggressive growls. The track has hardly any changes in tempo and rhythm, it is frantic from the beginning to the end embedded into a chilling melodic framework. "Mori In Absentia" was released as video, and the YouTube link is provided below.

"Asmodea" continues with chainsaw guitar onslaught and the classical Swedish Death rhythms, but adds a bit more variation and Grooves as the track goes on. It is a blend of fast and mid-tempo elements. Highlights of the track are the lead guitars as there are several solos and there is guest support from guitarist Tomas Akvik (LIK; NALE). The album continues with the acoustic guitar inter-lude "Anhelo", transitioning into "Saturn Devouring His Sun / Vomitorium", which is another piece of insanity and mayhem. Played at breakneck speed, the guitar riffing is crushing and the growls are aggressive. It is a two-part track as the title suggests. While the first part "Satan Devouring His Sun" focusses on pace and chaos, the second part "Vomitorium" sets the focus on darkness and doom. It is played at measured tempo and adds an atmospheric component in the background, while the guitar riffs are thunderous and the melodies are bone-chilling. Krizia Zurita provides additional guitars for the track. "Saturn Devouring His Sun / Vomitorium" is a good way to end the album as it sums up the album sound very well.

KATAKOMBA offer Swedish Death Metal excellence. The sound of "The Second Death" continues where the band left with their self-titled debut album three years ago. "The Second Death" delivers traditional Swedish Death Metal sound with modern elements. The album has pace, rawness, aggression, devastating chainsaw guitars, and a blood-freezing melodic framework. All is kept very well together by the versatile vocals. The album is well produced. The new album of KATAKOMBA is the best classical Swedish Death Metal album, I listened to in 2025 and "The Second Death" is a must-have for every Death Metal fan.