Swedish Death Metallers MOONDARK have been around for quite some time, but “The Abysmal Womb” marks their debut full-length after a long stretch of dormancy. Formed in 1993, the band released a first demo back in 1993 titled “Demo #1”. Then, in 2015, 22 years later, they released the EP “The Shadowpath” that essentially features the same songs from the demo. It wasn’t until now, nearly a decade later, that they returned with this impressive offering titled “The Abysmal Womb”. This new album, released in December 2024 by Pulverised Records on CD and 12” vinyl, is a thunderous explosion of brutality that should not be missed by Death Metal enthusiasts. The band’s musical style is deeply rooted in classic Death Metal, but with a modern twist that gives the album a fresh, yet familiar, sound. The eight tracks on “The Abysmal Womb” are rich in atmosphere, displaying an infectious intensity with a great balance between relentless aggression and haunting, atmospheric moments that truly showcase MOONDARK’s potential. It’s fair to say that even though they paused for such a long time, the band members are not children playing games, they have made part of iconic bands like UNCANNY, CENTINEX or INTERMENT (to mention just those three), so they know by heart how to play Death Metal and they have been busy. Drawing from the old school Death Metal, MOONDARK’s approach is visceral yet technical. There are complex time signatures that move seamlessly into slower, doom-laden sections, all wrapped in a thick, murky production that gives the record a suffocating, subterranean feel. Tracks like ‘Suffer The Dark’, ‘Infernal Genocide’ or ‘Immersed To Crypts’ will stand out as highlights for fans of darker, atmospheric Death Metal, with dense guitar work and commanding vocals that invoke a sense of dread and despair. Though this is their first full-length, MOONDARK shows an undeniable command of their craft while there is certainly a familiarity in their approach. The album’s production, handled with care, captures the right amount of rawness while still maintaining clarity in the instrumentation, which is key for an album like this. Given that MOONDARK had laid dormant for so long after their last demo in 2015, “The Abysmal Womb” feels like the perfect return to form for a band that has been simmering in the underground for decades. With this release, they have firmly cemented their place in the modern Death Metal landscape, and it’s clear they’re here to stay. For fans of old school Death Metal who crave something both brutal and atmospheric, “The Abysmal Womb” is an album you shouldn’t miss. This album showcases not only the band’s power and technical prowess but also their ability to write memorable, engaging Death Metal anthems. Keep an eye on these Swedish death dealers; with this debut, they’re sure to make waves in the scene. More info: www.facebook.com/moondark666, www.facebook.com/pulverisedrecords