EXCLUSIVE PURPLE MARBLED VINYL REISSUE
 
Released in 1997, 'Death Metal' is a monumental record not only for Swedish death metal but for the metal genre as a whole. This album is unparalleled compared to anything released up to that point, and let me explain why. Swedish death metal evolved into two branches in the early '90s: the 'Stockholm' sound and the 'Gothenburg' sound. While the former embraces a more straightforward and raw death metal sound without the conventional sense of melody, the latter adopts a different approach, featuring a less brutal sound with a more progressive playing style and melodic elements. Signs of fusing the two styles were evident in Dismember's previous effort, 'Massive Killing Capacity.' However, the album sounded more mellow overall, losing some of its aggression and the characteristic rotten death metal feeling of its predecessors. What Dismember achieved with 'Death Metal' was truly unique. They retained the raw, Autopsy-like death metal sound of their early days but introduced melodic riffs and solos heavily influenced by Iron Maiden, resulting in a distinctive musical experience.
 
Each track on the album is unique, and there are no fillers. From fast-paced, in-your-face death metal assaults like 'Trendkiller' and 'Killing Compassion' to slow-tempo death/doom like 'Stillborn Ways' and Maiden-worship songs like 'Silent are the Watchers,' the diversity is noteworthy, complete with the chainsaw HM-2 guitar tone, a trademark of the Swedish death metal sound. It's worth mentioning that the lineup remained consistent since their formation and up to this album, a reflection evident in the overall outcome. All members actively contribute to the songwriting process, and the musical diversity and creativity are perfectly showcased in every song.
 
In conclusion, 'Death Metal' stands out as the most well-rounded Dismember album and a genuine death metal masterpiece. While Dismember has consistently released exceptional albums, this one, in my opinion, marks their peak. There's a strong belief that they won't disappoint; they've never have.