The opening chords of Relic Of The Past bring Morbid Angel to mind, but from the second riff on, we are in classic Carcass country. Sitting somewhere between Necroticism: Descanting The Salubrious and Heartwork, this is melodic DM that features plenty of hooks and catchy choruses.
It’s not just because bassist/vocalist Marloes Voskuil is female that Arch Enemy comparisons sometimes crop up, but Izegrim are a slightly harder-hitting and weightier proposition. Celebration Gunfire in particular showcases their ability to blend a singalong chorus with face-punching dynamics, the production walking that fine line between the grit needed to satisfy the old-school DM fans and the clarity favoured by newer metalheads.
The songs are razor-sharp and catchy enough to stick around, and although this isn’t the most original or groundbreaking band ever, these Dutch metallers are well worth a listen.
