This record was released at the height of the hoopla surrounding the boom of the early Swedish death metal scene with bands like Entombed and Dismember getting signed to labels. It seems like it kind of left in the shadows at the time, even though Grave has finally gained the recognition they so deserve.

'Into the Grave' doesn't have that typical Swedish sound that Entombed, Dismember, Carnage or a plethora of the other death metal bands from Sweden have. Though the sound is certainly not American, the approach to brutality seems to take a little from those shores. The heaviness found on this album is undeniable. I shudder in fear of what the Swedish scene would have turned out like if this release had taken the place of Entombed's 'Left Hand Path' as the standard for the Swedish death metal sound.

Many people looking to try Grave's music start off at the wrong place, with their newer material. This is a grave (ha) error. 'Hating Life' is a decent album, but it's definitely NOT the BEST Grave album. For those looking for early Swedish old-school brutality that doesn't sound like Entombed or Dismember (not that they're bad), try 'Into the Grave' or 'You'll Never See. . .'. Grave's first two records do not disappoint.

© 1999 goden