Ribspreader – The Van Murders Part 2
Perennial death metal busy man Rogga Johansson already has his name to four recordings this year, and has another two lined up for release before we enter the latter half of the year. One such record is The Van Murders – Part 2, the latest album from Ribspreader, one of the more prolific projects Johansson is involved with. A companion piece to 2011’s The Van Murders, the 10 track effort supposedly sat on the shelf for a few years, only to now be dusted off and given release. Thankfully, time has not weathered the potency of the music, as the album delivers all you’d expect and then some, and should delight those who follow Johansson closely.
If you’re familiar with Johansson’s work, then you’ll have a good idea as to what you’ll get with this album. It’s a concisely written 29 minute death metal workout, with songs built around masses of memorable riffs and free-flowing drumming. The songs largely favour the classic Swedish sound, although there are some nods to the old school Florida scene as well. The guitar tone is cleaner than your average Swedeath band, but it still has a bit of a buzz that leaves no doubt as to where the band draws their main inspiration from. It’s quite a blunt, muscular tone, like the edge of a sharp weapon that has been worn down after years of use; now more effective at bludgeoning than slashing. Combined with the thunderous, heavier-than-lead drum sound and the thick, sturdy rumble of the bass, Ribspreader concoct quite a mighty musical force.
As far as death metal goes, the stuff on this record is quite accessible. Don’t get me wrong, it’s heavy, but there’s never an overbearing sense of speed or complexity. Many of the compositions are simple and to the point; the instrumentation less so, and I feel all involved should be commended for striking this balance so well. It’s only really the chaotic closer “Travelling Band of the Dead” that gets a little more intricate, moving swiftly through various passages in its three minute run time. There’s a compelling bounce to many songs that reminds me of something like Carcass’ “Heartwork”; not so much the song itself, but the way the song throttles along, giving you an irresistible urge to headbang. And with some of the neck snapping riffs on offer, don’t be surprised if you end up suffering whiplash. “Departure LA” starts things off with a marriage of sick grooves and pummelling riffs, and encapsulates the way in which the record flows perfectly. The death and roll of “Flesh Desperados” still manages to incorporate some old school fury and a fantastic lead that uncoils wonderfully around the accompanying riff, whilst the splendid riffing of “Meat Bandit” summons enough sonic force to reduce surrounding areas to rubble. The deliberate, bone crushing trudge of “Equipped to Kill” has a Bolt Thrower vibe, whereas “The Cleaners Theme” and and it’s instrumental sequel opt for thrash and melodeath leanings respectively.
It’d be easy to spread yourself too thin when releasing music with the frequency Johansson does, but this doesn’t appear to be the case as far as The Van Murders – Part 2 is concerned. It’s a strong death metal album packed full of catchy riffs and tight songwriting. Not the most original thing you’ll hear, sure, but you can let that go when it’s as good as this. This is likely to be one of the better albums this genre will produce this year, so death metal fans are encouraged to check it out come release day.
Highlights: “Departure LA”, “Back on Frostbitten Shores”, “Equipped to Kill”
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The Van Murders – Part 2 is available on June 6th via Xtreem Music, and can be purchased here.
