As You Drown

This debut full-length release from Swedish death metal outfit As You Drown (formerly Ethereal) displays musical maturity and musicianship beyond their years. With old school influences, including Decapitated and Morbid Angel, as well as their modern Job For A Cowboy-esque sound at their core, As You Drown have mastered the mechanics of creating brutal music. Album opener "Ruins and Dead Ends" displays utter intensity, setting the tone for the rest of the effort. Apart from the experimental noise that makes up "The Last," Reflection contains blast beat drumming, fast riffs, down-tuned Meshuggah grooves and deeply evil vocals. Notable tracks include the ferocious sonic attacks brought forth on "Horns," "What is Worst" and "Open Wound Salvation." But with machine-gun speed, "Swallow" is certainly the standout tune, with rapid time signatures and solid songwriting. Reflection is a straight-up, destructive death metal masterwork.