UMUR "The Fathomless Mastery" is the 3rd full-length studio album by Swedish death metal act Bloodbath. The album was released through Peaceville Records in October 2008. There have been two lineup changes since the release of "Nightmares Made Flesh (2004)" as lead vocalist Peter Tägtgren has been replaced by a returning Mikael Åkerfeldt, and guitarist/bassist Dan Swanö has been replaced by Per 'Sodomizer' Eriksson. The remaining members of the lineup are Anders Nystrom (guitars), Jonas Renkse (bass), and Martin Axenrot (drums). All prolific names who are associated with acts like Opeth, Katatonia, and Witchery. This lineup was however already in place for the recording of the "Unblessing the Purity" EP from March 2008.

Stylistically the material on the 11 track, 41:38 minutes long album continue the old school death metal style of its predecessors, but with the same slightly more brutal twist that the band had also applied to the "Unblessing the Purity (2008)" EP. I´m not sure if it´s a production trick, but Bloodbath just sound a lot more brutal on both the EP and on "The Fathomless Mastery", than they do on the preceding releases. As always the listner is treated to high level musicianship, which isn´t surprising considering the musicians involved. Tägtgren did a great job on "Nightmares Made Flesh (2004)", but the return of Åkerfeldt is also welcome. He delivers a strong and commanding growling vocal performance throughout the album.

Although the brutality factor is turned up a notch, "The Fathomless Mastery" is otherwise not an album featuring many surprises. Bloodbath were never about surprises though and what you get here is the epitome of high quality old school death metal, played by seasoned veterans of the genre...and don´t mistake that as meaning dinosaurs, because these guys deliver their music with a youthful passion and a burning conviction. This album reeks high class in all departments from musicianship, to songwriting, to the powerful, detailed, and brutal sound production.

One of the strenghts of Bloodbath is that they are equally interesting when they play heavy parts as when they play fast and they seamlessly combine tempos and various riff styles on their songs. A brutal fast-paced track like "Slaughtering the Will to Live" is for example followed by the heavy "Mock the Cross", but you are never in doubt that it´s the same band playing. Not all tracks stand out equally much, but all tracks are consistent in quality and style, so there is not much difference between the best tracks on the album and the least remarkable ones. Upon conclusion "The Fathomless Mastery" is yet another high quality death metal release by Bloodbath and a 4 - 4.5 star (85%) rating is deserved.

arcane-beautiful So...a Swedish death metal supergroup...with Mikael Adkerfeldt on vocals...wow, must buy.

I wasn't too aware of these guys I'm afaid, but when I became noticed of their existence...I was like, "Cool, shud be interesting," and I was thrilled to find this album in my local HMV.

So, is it any good.

Yes, it's not perfect, but to be honest, out of all the modern death metal tripe...this is a breath of fresh air.

Mikaels vocals are the real attraction. I always thought he has the most distinctive and amazing vocals in death metal, and he does sound like Satan at most times.

Musically, their are black metal and groove metal moments, but it's pure death metal at heart, and is a push forward in the extreme movement.

1. At The Behest Of Their Death - Amazing riffage. The pure epitome of evil. Vocals are just spewing forth bile and vomit in this song. 10/10

2. Process Of Disillumintation - Slightly More melodic. Great lyrics. 8/10

3. Slaughtering The Will To Live - Some killer grooves and kick ass riffs. 8/10

4. Mock The Cross - Classic death metal at its best. Great chorus. 10/10

5. Treasonous - The arrangement and flow of this song is just amazing. 9/10

6. Iesous - Interesing arrangement. Weirdly catchy at times. 9/10

7. Drink From The Cup Of Heresy - Very dark and disturbing...loving it haha. 9/10

8. Devouring The Feeble - The riffs are quite head crushing. 8/10

9. Earthrot - Great lyrics and amazing vocals. 9/10

10. Hades Rising - Quite Gojira like riffs at times. Great chorus and ending. 10/10

11. Wretched Human Mirror - Great ending. Fast, furious and evil 9/10

CONCLUSION: If you want great death metal...I reccomend these guys.