“Atmospheric, high-quality Death Metal from Uppsala.” This is how Daniel Ekeroth described SARCASM’s style in his 2006 book “Swedish Death Metal”. And even though the band had not yet recorded a full album at that time – the debut took place in 2016 with “Burial Dimensions” – this description still fits pretty well. Originally formed in Sweden in 1987, SARCASM released vigorous Death Metal in the early and mid ’90s. After a short-lived reunion in 1997, they returned in 2015 with a new, revamped version of their line-up. The basis of what is now their fifth studio album remains typical Swedish Death Metal with some expansions. Which means we have still lots of typical HM2 driven buzzsaw guitar sound. But during the more than forty minutes of playing time, the band veers towards Black Metal more than once, becoming sluggish and vicious, for example at ‘Withered Memories Of Souls We Mourn’, accordingly the vocals are also more reminiscent of DARK FUNERAL than typical Death Metal growls and already at the end of the opener ‘As Northern Gates Open’ you can hear acoustic guitars. There are also some keyboard supported soundscapes and even female vocals during the track ‘A Lucid Dream In The Paradigm Stream’. With over eight minutes of playing time, ‘No Solace From Above’ goes beyond the usual framework and shows the band capable of writing suspenseful songs. By the way, “Mourninghoul” is a concept album, in which the listener accompanies the eponymous ghoul on a long journey. Another Swedish band that moves in similar areas in terms of style also recently released a new album. I am talking about NECROPHOBIC and “In The Twilight Grey”, which is quite rightly celebrated. When I now compare these two albums I have to say that there is no difference in quality to my ears. Everyone who likes “In The Twilight Grey” will also really enjoy “Mourninghoul”. www.facebook.com/sarcasmsweden, www.facebook.com/hammerheartrecords