Hype is quite a dangerous thing if unchecked. Just because a notable band is putting out material does not mean we’re automatically in for a good time whenever new material does come around for the universe is rarely gracious on such a consistent and constant level. Especially in the underground, such sights are rare to see with bands like Tomb Mold certainly seeming to be an exception. Three years in a row did they release three undeniable bangers that caught to world of death metal off-guard only to be following by constant live assaults for four years afterwards. Now, out from the depths, Tomb Mold makes a sudden and swift return with the masses hailing their return with great fanfare, yet the question remains: is this record a cautionary tale of hype bolstering a record only for it to fall flat? In just two words, absolutely not!

Tomb Mold could have done anything after the one-two-three punch that was “Primordial Malignity”, “Manor of Infinite Forms”, and “Planetary Clairvoyance” with the scene undeniably theirs for the taking. They only needed to clench their first around it and seize the opportunity. With all that they dared bring to the table for “The Enduring Spirit”, I won’t be shocked to see this record called one of the band’s crowning achievements by many with more than a few sure to hail it as the band’s best as well as one of the undeniable best with 2023 when it comes to death metal that quickly becomes far more. Even given the expectations that come with Tomb Mold’s track record, “The Enduring Spirit” sees the act traverse exciting and tantalizing new territory. The expansion of Tomb Mold cannot be understated. Such wild growth in all directions is a dangerous thing to take on with few able to approach such a thing with, but, as if it hasn’t been beyond obvious for years now, Tomb Mold proves to be a substantial cut above the rest of the competition with “The Enduring Spirit” only furthering that truth. There’s so much to uncover within the seven tracks of “The Enduring Spirit” be it the eldritch sights that are brilliant mixes of horror and wonder, the progressive passages that really show us the talent that Tomb Mold is still more than capable of, the death metal whose form is constantly shifting and changing what it means to be devastating at virtually every turn, or the dazzling colors that are woven into the record to give it so much personality and depth that death metal doesn’t tap into often enough.

The best part about this release, for me at least, is knowing that this record is already getting the attention that it deserves. Tomb Mold’s return was already something that was highly looked forward to by many throughout the community and “The Enduring Spirit” is far more than anything we could have asked for beyond our wildest dreams. From the cover art to the final note, “The Enduring Spirit” deserves virtually any accolade that it gets thrown its way with it deserving of better, more concise, and adept writers than I to truly do the album justice. This is destined to be named as one of 2023’s undeniably best in every regard with every given iota of the record something that has to be experienced to be believed.

LISTEN to “The Enduring Spirit” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Tomb Mold on Facebook here.