For all that the Japanese metal scene has strived to become over the decades, there is at least one name that has rightfully towered over them all through sheer craftsmanship and overwhelming intensity: Coffins. It’s been over two decades since the band returned for a temporary hiatus to come back and bring to us a tremendous run of death-doom the likes of which was felt the world over, and I find it fortunate that they’re seen as representatives for what the Asian scene as a whole is capable of while many still find themselves focused on what the other side of the world is able to bring to metal. Now, though, with its sixth full-length album, Coffins is ready yet again to reassert its overwhelming dominance.

You don’t get a band like Coffins by chance. This is the result of true passion and talent coming together in such a form that is nigh-on compelling with very little able to stand in its way such that the very name of Coffins slowly spread across the globe like that of a strategic albeit patient plague. Since its first album in 2005, rarely has the been a year where we don’t hear from Coffins with “Sinister Oath” marking the end of the longest drought that we’ve seen from the act yet with their last piece being the flavorful split with Eternal Rot three years ago. However, to take so much as a minute’s dive within “Sinister Oath” is to realize that those three years were well-spent in crafting what can likely be called one of the absolutely most powerful creations from Coffins to date. Continuing their trademark sound of thick death-doom that’s as eclectic as it is dense, “Sinister Oath” is a nasty work that’s a true creation of the underground that was crafted in darkness, birthed in filth, and destined for destruction and terror unbound as it wreaks havoc across the globe at every chance it gets. Overflowing with the heaviest of riffs such that they are masterful at grabbing you by the throat and hurtling you into their realm of complete dominance where not even the sanctity of light can find solace, “Sinister Oath” does far more than live up to the reputation Coffins has carved out for itself over the decades. If nothing else, the record only greatly enhances its.

This could be the last piece that Coffins ever puts out, and I don’t think they could leave off on a better note. Everything about what’s been brought to the table for “Sinister Oath” cannot be likened to anything less than utter death-doom wonder on a scale that is simply intimidating to look upon with the very sight of the power of Coffins enough to send a chill down your spine. It’s invigorating to see the Japanese veterans have still got it after all this time, and all signs point to them not slowly down any time soon.

“Sinister Oath” releases on March 29th via Relapse Records!

LISTEN to singles from “Sinister Oath” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Coffins on Facebook here.