Imperishable | Swallowing The World | Hammerheart Records

 

Imperishable is a Swedish death metal band forged in the tradition of classic melodic aggression, drawing from the legacies of Dissection, Necrophobic, and At The Gates, while injecting their own sharpened intensity. Their approach respects the roots of the genre without drowning in mimicry. With members Henric Skoog (vocals), Robin Holmberg (guitars), Christopher Hjelte (bass), and Niklas Holmberg (drums), Imperishable has been steadily carving a path that balances sharp melodies and rhythmic intensity. Their 2025 release, "Swallowing The World" refines that goal with added weight and clarity, assisted by industry veteran Andy LaRocque at Sonic Train Studios. The album also features guest contributions from Dennis Röndum (ex-Spawn Of Possession) and LaRocque himself on guitar, adding further depth to an already charged package.

"Swallowing The World" is an album rooted in classic melodic death metal, but its presentation is vivid and aggressive. It draws from established genre motifs without sounding stuck in the past. There is a clear lineage to the Gothenburg scene, but also nods to the darker, more atmospheric tones of bands like Necrophobic and the tighter rhythmic attack found in Death.

The album opens with a brief but ominous introduction in "Bells" before launching into a storm of high-paced riffing and sharp vocals. From that point on, the band maintains a consistent energy level, structured through intense rhythm guitars, abrupt tempo changes, and layered melodic leads that remain coherent without becoming too dense.

The production by Andy LaRocque gives the music space to breathe while retaining the density and crunch required for this style. The mix is clear, favoring the guitars without burying the vocals or the rhythm section. It avoids overcompression, which helps emphasize the natural flow of the band’s arrangements.

Lyrically and tonally, the album is steeped in esoteric darkness. The inclusion of Juanjo Castellano’s artwork on the cover underscores this tone, depicting swirling chaos that mirrors the musical content—astral and violent. It enhances the identity of the album without making it feel overly theatrical.

Guest appearances are well-placed: LaRocque’s solo adds distinction without overwhelming its context, and Röndum’s contribution adds a subtle flair of extremity and extremism that complements the band’s own voice.

"Swallowing The World" aims to refine melodic death metal with conviction and discipline. Its songwriting maintains forward motion and delivers a balanced blend of aggression and melody. While the genre’s templates are clearly followed, the delivery is genuine, intense, and effectively executed.

Score: 8/10