Swedish death metal doesn’t get any more Swedish than LIK’s "Necro". From start to finish, this album is an absolute ripper, drenched in that signature Stockholm buzzsaw tone and dripping with the filth and fury that made the genre legendary. If there were ever an album to embody everything great about Swedish death metal, "Necro" would be it. LIK wastes no time setting the tone:  "Deceased" kicks things off with a ferocious blast of HM-2-soaked riffs, backed by relentless drumming and guttural growls that sound like they crawled straight from a mass grave. It’s raw, it’s aggressive, and it’s as punchy as it gets. The band doesn’t just rely on brutality alone, though as there’s an undeniable sense of groove throughout the album, with tracks like "Morgue Rat" and "War Praise" delivering headbanging hooks without compromising their vicious edge.

The guitar work is an absolute highlight. That chainsaw tone is as thick as ever, cutting through with razor-sharp precision, and the riffing is a masterclass in how to balance chaos and melody. Whether it’s the crushing mid-tempo stomp of "They" or the speed-fueled rampage of "Rotten Inferno",  LIK proves they have the songwriting chops to keep things fresh while staying true to their roots. Vocally, "Necro" delivers exactly what’s needed; deep, monstrous growls that command attention, yet remain clear enough to let the infectious song structures shine through. The rhythm section holds everything together with machine-like precision, the drums hammering forward like a war machine while the bass adds an extra layer of grit and weight to the mix.

"Necro" isn’t just a great Swedish death metal album; it’s the Swedish death metal album of the year. It captures the spirit of the genre with flawless execution, proving that LIK stands at the top of the modern scene. Brutal, raw, groovy, and relentlessly catchy, the album is everything it needs to be. If you crave that old-school Stockholm sound with a fresh dose of energy, this is the album to beat.