Swedish death metal has offered another group of sacrificial lambs to the metal gods with the second full length album from the band WRETCHED FATE. Formed in 2016 the band has signed up with Redefining Darkness Records and released the bands first demo in 2018 titled Demoed in Flesh. Fast forward one year later and we have Fleshletting, the group's debut album that hit the metal world early in 2019 and generated plenty of positive feedback. Now in 2023, the band is back with the addition of guitarist Fredrik Wikberg and their second full length album titled Carnal Heresy. The opening track "Mind Desecrator" is layered with machine gun double kick along with guitars that at times would be considered passive given the destructive force behind the drums and the wretched growl of the vocals. The calm effect with the bass and guitars at times on the track is a nice touch.

The duo of Mats and Fredrik as a tandem on the entire album works very well. There is an easy flow between the crushing riffs and the dark melody that slithers throughout the tracks. "Momentary Suicide" is an example of the intertwined guitar work. KATAKLYSM meets LAMB OF GOD in the low tuned and chunky "Utterance From the Human Tongue". The drums set in a feeling of frantic anxiety while the guitars seem in control and on point. With the track "Umbilical Suffocation", there is a melodic lullaby played behind a maddening and chaotic pace before mixing in a mid tempo slow slam metal effect. "Harlots For Suffering" includes one of the best riffs on the album as it is a slice of classical music tied into a death metal setup. More great guitar work within the track followed up with a destructive snare drum and an unearthly deep growl.

"Morbid Testament" is more of the complete metal track. Blistering pace separated with depleted tempo, a deep rumbling bass line setting up a melody that never seems to feel rushed and the riffs are properly finished off. An unsettling atmospheric hum with a low bass opens up the finishing track "Spineless Horror". Classic head banging slaughter commences as the song switches between beautiful and brutal. The song shows a strong level of songwriting as does the whole album with an understanding of creating a huge sound by leveling off their tracks with creative and destructive variations to timing. The vocals are harsh and forcefully cut through the music. The drums are solid from the opening to the closing track. Wretched Fate's sophomore is not breaking down metal barriers, but is instead a raw and unharnessed death metal that is still pleasing to any fans of the genre.