Sepulchral Curse – Abhorrent Dimensions Review

It’s sort of a given that album release PR is going to be loaded with a lot of exaggerated praise—you temper much of that as both a listener and a critic. But here, with respect to Finnish death metal band Sepulchral Curse’s second full-length album, Abhorrent Dimensions, the promise of a “rich and diverse” sound rings particularly true. This thing really is equal parts crushing and nuanced, and I’ve been kind of astounded at just how much I’ve been enjoying this. And there are a few notable reasons why.

First, Abhorrent Dimensions is huge. I recognize that this is an oft-used description. But the production here really pushes darn near everything to the forefront without losing that aforementioned richness. Apparently, the producer is one Tomi Uusitupa, vocalist of the melodic power metal band Battledragon, with whom I am admittedly unfamiliar, and whose first release was a five-track EP with Shakira, Rihanna, and Celine Dion covers. God bless the Internet, which provides us such treasure troves for research. Anyway, Mr. Uusitupa did an excellent job here. The songs would hold up just fine without it, I am sure, but I can’t oversell just how massive the lumbering “Graveyard Lanterns” sounds with this approach in production. The only element that feels perhaps a little muted is the drumming, but that’s getting nitpicky.

Second, Abhorrent Dimensions is diverse. There’s that dripping and atmospheric slow crawl of “Graveyard Lanterns,” but just one song ahead in the tracklist there’s a speedy little number that’ll knock you upside the head (“Stagnant Waters”). The Ulthar, Corpsessed, and Incantation comparisons are fairly accurate—particularly Ulthar, at times—but there’s something here that leaves a more memorable imprint on me personally than those first two. Perhaps it’s just less busy. Or maybe these songs are arranged just so. Regardless, listening to this album from beginning to end is to come full circle. Its impact feels purposeful. Complete.

Third, Abhorrent Dimensions is fun. It’s been a while since critically analyzing something felt like a breeze. Normally, some amount of anxiety is involved. But as nuanced and diverse as this album is, it’s also quite fun! From blood-pumping song intros to playfully smooth changes of pace, Abhorrent Dimensions is a fun time. Loving to hear the sound of your own voice has a negative connotation—in most contexts, deservingly so. But I’ve always liked hearing musicians talk about how much they love their music. And Sepulchral Curse sounds like a band that loves its music.

Sometimes it’s that album that sneaks up on you that becomes one of the year’s more memorable releases. Sepulchral Curse’s Abhorrent Dimensions feels like that album for me. And perhaps it will be that album for you. Regardless, bravo.