Review ROTTEN CASKET ‘Zombicron’

Although the band exists since 2013 the guys didn’t add more than three EPs to the books. Frank Bergesson is the driving force behind this death metallic powerhouse that decided to go for a break in 2018. Ironically it was the pandemic that made the band crawling out of the self-chosen hiatus and after having released a third EP, work on a full-length debut started in 2023.

Also the line-up showed some significant changes in the new era as there are well known names being part of the new Rotten Corpse line-up, with members of bands like Asphyx, Disabuse and Sodom including no less than Dutch chief growler Martin van Drunen.

Rotten Casket offer oldschool death metal that entails slower metal anthems like the epic closer ‘Zombicron’. At the same time, Rotten Casket have placed morbid riff monsters such a ‘Le Maître De Cercuel’ on the tracklist. The latter starts in the realms of doom and evolves to an upbeat death metal icon.

A no-brakes approach, that is what ‘On Crystal Deth’ and especially the pounding ‘Cape Cadaveral’ reflect. ‘Cape Cadaveral’ is a two-minute blast that shows the untamed energy of death metal in a boiled-down fashion. ‘Zombicron’ is an aggressive album that reminds of bands like Asphxy and Bolt Thrower. What makes this debut to a treat though is the level of versatility which gives ‘Zombicron’ more than just one rude dimension.

This debut is a savage death metal album, featuring music that avoids any trends and solely reflects the passion of everybody involved for extreme metal music. It is a roaring blast that nurture some hope for a continuation in the future.