Grave's debut 1991 "Into The Grave" has stood the test of time and still proves to be more of a brutal, in your face death metal classic, and more bottom heavy than anything else that came out of Sunlight Studio under producer's Tomas Skogberg's eyes.

"Soulless" is different though. Just barely "heavier" than Entombed. The grumbling thunder has been let up some, with a gritty, midrange, almost hardcore feel to the guitar and bass sound. Ola Lindgren's guitar is a little more morbid, and to me, basssist/ vocalist Jorgen Sandstrom sounds influenced by Max Cavalera (Sepultura, Arise-era). His roaring is a little more intelligible. Songwriting has more variation, and Grave don't go overboard rocking out. Beerdrinking deathbangers will get more out of this than thrashers. You'll be disappointed if you are expecting total speed like Unleashed.

The title track, as well, as in a few other songs, has a midpaced doomy Bolt Thrower feel, probably due to the guitar harmonies. Looks like I will be looking for other Grave albums since Entombed haven't impresssed me since their second album "Clandestine" many, many moons ago.

1. 4:31 Turning Black
2. 3:08 Soulless
3. 4:18 I Need You
4. 3:43 Bullets Are Mine
5. 4:11 Blodshed
6. 3:00 Judas (instrumental)
7. 3:37 Unknown
8. 3:40 And Here I Die
9. 3:46 Genocide
10. 4:08 Rain
11. 5:32 Scars

© 2001 mlotek