Known for their relatively unique sound Evocation utilised both aspects of Sweden’s famous death metal scene, that of the traditional crunchy Stockholm and then the later emerging Gothenburg scene with its stronger focus on melody.  Perhaps fittingly, then, they have decided to cover 5 tracks from legendary bands which incorporates a variety of sounds from two distinct death metal country power houses.

Representing Sweden they cover the Gothenburg pioneers At the Gates’ later output with ‘Terminal Spirit Disease’ and the Progressive Edge of Sanity’s ‘Enigma’.

From the British Isles, however, their choices reflect a heavier and more Grind influenced sound, from straight up death metal Bolt Thrower’s “…For Victory” to the Grindier Carcass, choosing “Corporal Jigsore Quandry” from the middle of Carcass’ career. Finishing up they’ve covered perhaps one of the most ridiculously Grind tracks from the most prolific of Grind bands, “You Suffer” by Napalm Death.

The track list, therefore, is a powerhouse.  Some of the most iconic tracks from the most iconic bands that, have clearly not only influenced Evocation, but are recognisable to anyone into Extreme Metal in any form.  It is also a decent release, I don’t usually enjoy covers, but I was extremely interested to hear how a band with Evocation’s unique sound would approach such stand out tracks. They make an extremely fitting tribute; not straying too far from the originals or reinterpreting the basis of the tracks, but at the same time making the songs their own.

Dragging these classic tracks into the modern age Evocation maintain the violence of the originals created in the old school Death Metal scene but give them a polished production which intensifies the tracks. As a massive fan of most bands covered, I don’t feel hard done by by any of the covers, as I have done occasionally in the past. Instead I can enjoy listening to recognisable tracks, that have essentially stayed the same, but with an interpretation that maintains intensity and give 5 legendary tracks a new sound.

A brilliant tribute to some of the most iconic bands, I can see these tracks been on my playlist for a long time; not replacing the originals but taking their place alongside them.