LAETHORA

LEATHORA's debut album, "March of the Parasite", exploded onto the scene, taking some aback (myself included) with its quality Swedish-oriented death metal direction, in part because it was an atypical release for The End Records. Folks should have been prepared this time, as there are no surprises with "The Light in which we all Burn", another strong representation of the continued fertility of the Swedish death metal scene, as well as an indication of the good things that can happen when guys like Niklas Sundin (DARK TRANQUILLITY) and members of THE PROVENCE get together.

There may be no surprises per se, but there is a noticeable development in songwriting and identity. However, I would not yet call it a "better" album than "March of the Parasite", only because the debut had such a resonating DM energy about it. Others may have contrary opinions that are just as relevant and with which I would probably not disagree. Regardless, the album cruises through, quite naturally as it turns out, terror spreading blast waves and doomy, somewhat ethereal movements (in parts and as separate tracks). Both "Humanae" and "The Sightless" combine both elements by way of some deft arranging; sections of the former even approach post-rock drift, though to a vague and probably unintentional extent. "Damnable Doctrine" stands well apart from the rest of the album for its doomy cadence and depressive harmonies.

The BLOODBATH reminders are still present, yet not in an imposing way and perhaps less so than was the case on "March of the Parasite". In that regard, vocalist Jonatan Nordenstam stretches more this time around, employing a style that could be considered a cross between Mikael Åkerfeldt (BLOODBATH, OPETH) and Martin Van Drunen (ASPHYX, HAIL OF BULLETS). MORBID ANGEL influences are heard with some frequency as well, but predominantly on the churning swamp riffing of "A New Day". Aside from the noted compositional distinctions is a dreadful pall that seems to hang over every track, just one more subtle touch that serves the album well. My gut feeling is that "The Light in which we all Burn" will sound even better as the months pass.