When your debut is as classic and influential as Left Hand Path was, there is a lot of pressure to deliver more of the same. Over the years, the Swedish band Entombed has had a ton of lineup changes, and their sound has evolved from their original death metal to a more melodic style sometimes referred to as "death and roll."
Serpent Saints: The Ten Amendments is the band's first full-length album in about four years, and it's a good one. The songs are gritty and aggressive, but catchy as hell. It gets off to a rousing start with the title track, which is very memorable. "When In Sodom," the title track from last year's EP makes an appearance as well. From fast paced death and roll to slower, doomy dirges, Entombed hits on all cylinders.
L.G. Petrov's distinctive voice is in good form whether he's growling or singing gurgly melodic vocals. Serpent Saints: The Ten Amendments takes a basic, straightforward approach, which really plays to Entombed's strengths and makes for an album that is the best they've done in a long time.
