Review of Paganizer’s album “As Mankind Rots”
Paganizer came into existence in Sweden in 1998, founded by the influential figure Rogga Johansson, deeply rooted in the death metal underground scene. From the beginning, the band has paid homage to the classic Swedish death metal sound, drawing inspiration from revered acts such as Entombed, Dismember, and Grave. With a discography that includes albums like Dead Unburied (2002), Carnage Junkie (2008), and Land of Weeping Souls (2017), Paganizer has established itself as a consistent force in delivering unrelenting, riff-heavy brutality. While the lineup has seen changes over the years, Johansson’s commanding vocals and guitar skills have always been instrumental in defining their sound, characterized by the signature buzzsaw guitars, guttural growls, and relentless drumming.
Despite the evolving landscape of death metal and shifts in band members, Paganizer has remained steadfast in their musical approach, choosing to stick to their roots rather than venture into uncharted territories. While past albums have been commended for their authenticity and energy, some critics have pointed out a lack of innovation. Nevertheless, this dedication to upholding the traditions of the genre has garnered the band a devoted following.
Their latest offering, “As Mankind Rots,” bursts into action with the title track setting the tone right from the start. No frills, just pure aggression with chunky riffs and blistering blast beats. The relentless energy flows into tracks like “Devoured,” showcasing a blend of rampaging speed and mid-tempo grooves that define classic Swedish death metal. Songs like “Aftermath Bleeder” and “Only Maggots” continue the onslaught with fiery rhythms and fierce drumming that are quintessential to Paganizer’s sound.
The album’s midpoint, “Put On Your Gasmask,” encapsulates the band’s distinctive style with its menacing guitar tone and precision-driven rhythm section. While it stays true to their established formula, tracks like “Hollow” and “A Testament To Madness” introduce varying tempos and atmospheres, showcasing a more dynamic range in their music. The closing chapters of the album, particularly “The Rotting End” and “One Way To The Grave,” continue to deliver a potent blend of melody and heaviness, culminating in the track “Vanans Makt,” featuring guest vocals from Bulten of Lastkaj 14, offering a refreshing twist to their sound.
“As Mankind Rots” stands as a testament to Paganizer’s unwavering commitment to death metal. The album shines through its strong songwriting, energetic performances, and adherence to their distinctive style. While critics may find the album predictable and lacking innovation, fans of traditional death metal will appreciate the band’s dedication to their craft. With its raw production quality and thematic cohesion, “As Mankind Rots” cements Paganizer’s position as torchbearers of Swedish death metal, adding another solid entry to their impressive discography.