Artist: Consumption
Country: Sweden
Label: Dusktone
Formats: CD
Year: 2025
After two full-length records for Hammerheart Records in 2020 and 2022, the Swedes of Consumption went for the Como, Italy based Dusktone for their third album. Without knowing any details, considering the fact that Hammerheart Records are offering both Consumption albums for prices as low as €4,99, the commercial value of the band may be somewhat disappointing. But, while the slightly Swedish flavoured Death Metal with few hints of Carcass-like Grindcore is far from bad, it might have been just a little too generic to really gain much attention.
And, that might sound more negative than intended, because both of these previous albums, ‘Recursive Definitions of Suppuration’ (2020) and ‘Necrotic Lust’ are more than solid records. But in today’s heavy competition it is simply hard to stand out of the crowd. Judging from what both albums had to offer and keeping those bargain prices in mind, it is not too far fetched to think that Consumption is more or less a victim of the glut in supply.
Honestly, I highly doubt whether ‘Catharsis’ will change any of that. Again, this album sounds just solid and it’s hard to really come up with concrete concerns for criticism. It just feels like more of the same and my guess is that ‘Catharsis’ will also have difficulties to really attract attention.
But those who were enamoured with the bands earlier output, will definitely find another record to enjoy. Although, ‘Catharsis’ isn’t really offering anything new, out of the three, this is the one that has the least degree of Grindcore. Basically only the croaking vocals are left from what typified especially the first album and gained some comparison with early Carcass. Instead, ‘Catharsis’ is more firmly based in Death Metal’s Swedish regions. Not so much in the Entombed or Dismember niche, although some of the riffs have a bit of a similar crunch to them, but with the addition of some more melodicism the band creeps up to some of the more melody-driven Death Metal bands from the late 90’s and early 00’s. Listen to ‘Piece By Piece Devoured’ for instance, which is also adorned with some excellent solo- and lead work – that would definitely be up to anyone’s alley who has a knack for Swedish Melodic Death Metal.
As a whole, ‘Catharsis’ does not disappoint and offers a natural progression from the band’s earlier output, venturing more into the world of melody and harmonies – leaving a bit of their more Grind/Gore parts behind. The only downside of adding so much more musicality to the mix is that Håkan Stuvemark’s not too impressive vocal antics become a little more apparent. Other than that, the band serves you with another solid piece of Death Metal, they are only waiting for some consumption of their music….
