Release date: 19th July 2018
Honestly, I’m in awe that Låt köttet dö is only the debut release from Swedish doom metal troupe Vanhävd because it sounds so established and well-rounded! Forming as a sampler for a future album from them, if this is anything to go by then we should surely expect great things with their debut full-length!
Founded in 2011, it’s clear that Vanhävd have taken their time in honing their sound and music, and the result is exquisite. This is doom music at its finest; wonderfully heavy, gloomy and crushing, yet with a small element of melody to help keep the EP moving. The balance is just right and really plays on Vanhävd’s strengths as they progress through the course of the EP.
With three tracks clocking in at about 26 minutes, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into despite it only being the appetiser for the main course. Opener Låt köttet dö sets the scene well, with Vanhävd taking their time as it progresses into a wonderfully dark and heavy number before adding a little more momentum in the latter half of it. Meanwhile, second track Om den vulgära farsens nonsens picks up the pace further and features some awesome little melodies that are surely destined to get stuck in your head, and finally closing track Drömmaren gives the EP ambience and atmosphere, and certainly leaves the listener wanting more as the track rings out.
All in all, Låt köttet dö is a fantastic introduction to Vanhävd – and I for one am definitely eager for more from this talented outfit!
