Wombbath | Beyond The Abyss | Pulverised Records

 

Wombbath was formed in 1990 in Sala, Sweden, and became part of the first wave of Swedish death metal with their 1993 debut “Internal Caustic Torments”. After disbanding in the mid-90s and releasing only a handful of early works, the band returned unexpectedly in the mid-2010s with “Downfall Rising”, a revival of their original sound. Since then, under the leadership of guitarist and founding member Håkan Stuvemark, Wombbath has evolved into a more dynamic and relentless force, merging traditional Swedish death metal roots with modern intensity. With frequent collaborator Jonny Pettersson (vocals, production) and a rotating but experienced cast of musicians, the band has released several albums that vary in tone and structure—from sprawling epics like “Agma” to more concise works such as “The Great Desolation”.

“Beyond The Abyss” is Wombbath’s seventh full-length release and marks a return to Pulverised Records, closing a decade-long loop since the label helped relaunch the band in 2015. This time, the focus is clear: raw intensity, shorter runtime, and more aggression. The album strips back the expanded runtime and vast scope of “Agma”, instead offering ten concentrated tracks that strike quickly and often with unrelenting force.

The production, led by Jonny Pettersson at Studio Unbound, is dense, murky, and alive with grit. The guitars buzz with thick distortion, the drumming (performed by Antti Silventoinen) pounds with relentless drive, and the bass rumbles underneath with clarity and weight. Vocals remain guttural and commanding, sitting firmly within the band’s established sound without being buried. The addition of violin parts by Thomas von Wachenfeldt adds a dramatic tension without dominating the overall structure. These atmospheric touches don’t soften the material—they sharpen its sense of dread.

There is a marked emphasis on heaviness here. Whether it’s the grinding pace of mid-tempo sections or the flurry of blasting moments, the band never strays far from a central mood: furious, ominous, and stark. One unusual moment that stands out is the use of saxophone in “Malevolent”, provided by Erik Barthold. Rather than feeling out of place, it adds to the chaotic feel of the track without becoming a distraction.

Rather than reinvent anything, “Beyond The Abyss” refines what Wombbath has gradually built over the past decade. It’s an album steeped in tradition but not shackled by it. The sound is darker than recent output, and the songwriting feels instinctive, with each member contributing to the direction. The collaborative spirit behind the album, even amidst lineup changes, results in something unified.

With its balance of violent rhythm, grim atmosphere, and subtle layers of experimentation, “Beyond The Abyss” stands as one of the band’s most complete works to date. It may not seek to impress with scale or ambition, but what it offers is focused and sincere—a dense slab of death metal built on experience and delivered with purpose. Recommended for fans of classic Swedish death metal with a rougher edge and a modernized sense of atmosphere.

Score: 8/10