Glacial Tomb plays the kind of death metal I enjoy. Let’s be honest, though: I like most of it. With their debut arriving 6 years ago, a follow-up now could be considered late to the death metal revival party. However, with 2 of the band members in Khemmis, the delay is completely understandable. It’s like the metal version of “Going with the Hot Hand.”

Regardless, they’re back with their sophomore album Lightless Expanse, which sees them in super skronky form. Think Ulcerate without being as oppressive or suffocating. On the opening track “Stygian Abattoir,” they’re here for one reason, which is to establish dominance. That’s the same goal I have at the buffet table. After a somewhat brief intro, the riffing, including a brief tremolo section, is punctuated with some The Black Dahlia Murder level highs and lows. They don’t wait long for the first solo, either, which starts around 2 minutes in. There’s also a chorus, so they’re not just dragging their knuckles on the ground.

In my opinion, the best kind of womb is a “Voidwomb,” and on track 2, Glacial Tomb agrees. With a pants-shittingly heavy riff including some pinch harmonics to punctuate, a forward bass presence, and a short breakdown, this visceral track is sure to get some pit asses shaking. Sniff at your peril.

I do want to point out this album is more for those who like their death metal on the slower side, but there are fast sections, such as the beginning of “Seraphic Mutilation” and “Worldsflesh.” The latter has multiple faster sections, including the frantic solo one.

In the beginning, it almost sounds like “Wound of Existence” could dip their toes into industrial metal or even the dreaded nu-metal tag. It’s not to be though, as it quickly transitions into a fist-pumping riff. If you’re into pumping your fist at every downbeat like I do, that is. There’s a brief chorus, as well as multiple quick guitar solos.

I must admit, if you came into this album looking for variety, you’re not going to get it. Is that a bad thing? I don’t think so. I’m quite fond of this style of “punch your neighbor in their fucking face” death metal, especially live. That’s where this type of metal thrives, and I may test that out within the next couple of days as they’re playing at my friend’s venue. It would be definite if a recent injury did not put that into question. Stairs and injured ankles don’t mix well. As far as the album goes, I could use more. I don’t mean runtime, either as it’s only 36 minutes. As I implied at the beginning of this paragraph, with not much deviation, most of the songs sound just like the last. I like it but doubt it has much staying power.

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