Description
Swordmaster – Postmortem Tales – Compact Disc
Postmortem Tales is the debut studio album by the Swedish black metal band Swordmaster, released in 1997. Swordmaster was part of the burgeoning Swedish black metal scene of the 1990s, which was known for its raw, aggressive sound, often blending elements of thrash and death metal. Postmortem Tales showcases the band’s early sound, characterized by fast tempos, blistering guitar riffs, and harsh vocals, while also incorporating some melodic elements that hint at the evolving Scandinavian metal scene.
Swordmaster was formed in 1993 in Gothenburg, Sweden, a city known for producing influential bands in both the death metal and black metal genres. Originally starting as a death metal band, Swordmaster gradually shifted towards black metal, which is evident in the sound and aesthetic of Postmortem Tales. The album captures the band’s transition and reflects the raw intensity and dark themes typical of the genre.
The Swedish metal scene at the time was heavily influenced by the early Norwegian black metal movement, but it also had its own distinct characteristics, often incorporating more melodic elements and a slightly different approach to production and songwriting. ‘Postmortem Tales’ is a product of this environment, blending the ferocity of black metal with a slightly more polished production compared to the lo-fi aesthetic often associated with early black metal.
Postmortem Tales features several tracks that highlight the band’s blend of black metal aggression with thrash metal influences, as well as their penchant for dark, horror-themed lyrics.
Postmortem Tales is thematically rooted in the dark, horror-inspired imagery typical of black metal, with songs that explore death, destruction, and the supernatural. The title itself suggests a collection of stories or themes centered around death and the macabre, aligning with the aesthetic and lyrical focus of the genre.
Musically, the album blends the raw aggression of black metal with thrash metal’s speed and riff-based structure. The production, while still raw by mainstream standards, is more polished than that of some earlier black metal releases, allowing the intricacies of the musicianship to come through. This combination of influences creates a sound that is both ferocious and engaging, with a sense of melody that adds depth to the harshness.
Postmortem Tales was well-received within the underground metal community, particularly among fans of black and thrash metal. The album helped establish Swordmaster as a band to watch in the Swedish metal scene, known for their intense performances and dedication to the genre’s dark themes.
While Swordmaster may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of their contemporaries, ‘Postmortem Tales’ remains a significant release for those who appreciate the blend of black and thrash metal. The album is often praised for its energetic delivery, tight musicianship, and the way it captures the spirit of the mid-90s metal scene.
Postmortem Tales stands as a testament to Swordmaster’s place in the Scandinavian metal scene. The album’s mix of black and thrash metal elements makes it a notable example of the genre’s evolution during the 1990s. For fans of black metal, particularly those interested in the Swedish scene, this album is a worthwhile exploration of the darker, more aggressive side of the genre.
Though Swordmaster may not have reached the same heights as some of their peers, Postmortem Tales continues to be appreciated by metal enthusiasts for its raw energy, dark themes, and the band’s ability to craft compelling and intense music that holds up well within the genre’s history.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Osmose Productions Records
Track Listing
1. Intro: Indeathstries/The Masters’ Possession
2. Crush To Dust
3. Postmortem Tales
4. Past Redemption
5. Claws Of Death
6. Blood Legacy
7. The Serpent Season
8. Metallic Devastation
9. Black Ace
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