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[7.5/10] Despite having been around for more than a decade, and releasing three full-length releases, long running old-school death metal band Nominon are hardly what you would call a well-known band.But while they’ve lacked some real exposure, the Swedish (Jönköping-based) act has attracted a devoted cult following with tours alongside acts such as Dissection, Dismember, Benediction, Vital Remains, Nunslaughter, Holy Moses and Incantation.
Perhaps the injection of new blood into the line-up (Henke Skoog replaces departed vocalist Daniel Garptoft), the album’s stronger production values, or the fact that the band are improving as song writers as time progresses - either way, Monumentomb is definitely one of Nominon’s strongest efforts to date.
The opening track “Mantra Reverse” is a fast paced track that features plenty of twists and turns, but remains melodic and brutal enough to give listeners an idea of what to expect from the remainder of the album. Taking on a more sinister and grim sound is the brutal “Archfiend,” “Worship” and “Omen,” while on “Undead Beast,” “Kevorkian Exit” (which features some truly outstanding lead work), “Worm” and the speedy “Mountain Of Hate,” Nominon inject a subtle influence of thrash into death metal sound.
The best song on the album, however, is the final track “Wrath Of Shiva,” which features a combination of lightning speed drums, guttural vocals from Thornberg and a darkened vibe in the descending riff structures that really come together in a captivating (and evil) way, and closes the album in a strong way.
Monumentomb isn’t the best old school death metal I have ever heard, and it probably won’t be making my top ten list at the end of the year. But I will profess that I thoroughly enjoy the album for what it is - and that’s an uncompromising, brutal slab of Swedish death metal that doesn’t pander to modern influences.
www.myspace.com/nominon
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