Since its inception, death metal has become many things. We’ve witnessed legions upon legions of name come out of the woodwork to show us what they might be able to bring to the table that death metal commands without a shred of mercy, but there simply aren’t many that have managed to stay relevant and competitive for decades on end. Those that have accomplished a rare feat have well and truly cemented themselves in the legendarium of outstanding death metal for every reason. After almost thirty years of throwing it down, Paganizer is a name we should all be familiar with. The arrival of its fourteenth studio album more than cements the band’s status.

When you’ve had skin in the game for decades, it would be understandable that time wouldn’t be kind for even the most interesting and fascinating of artists. The creativity and drive of a specific style easily wavers and transforms over time as ideas change, people mature, and different avenues of music are discovered for those brave enough to further explore. However, some things just refuse to throw in the towel for one reason or another and persevere despite the odds and the expectations. Paganizer, for all that it is, is nothing if not a continuous tour de force of what Swedish death metal is, has been, and can still be when put in the hands of certifiable masters. “As Mankind Rots” is but the continuation of the streak these veterans have been on for quite some time, and never once in these eleven tracks do the masterminds showcase any bit of loss of their awesome power. With riffs abound and an attitude that has yet to waver in the face of time itself, “As Mankind Rots” is the raw, overwhelming testament to Paganizer’s immense might that so incredibly few in the world of death metal could ever hope to get their hands on, yet it’s here that Paganizer has yet again put forth a display that’s as engrossing as it is intense all the way to its core.

To stay the course and not allow the march of time to hinder your advances nor subjugate your intensity is to be truly resilient of a rare sort in the vast underground. Paganizer has long been a name to respect, and it’s here that they’ve done nothing but continue that very madness. “As Mankind Rots” is pure Paganizer from beginning to end, and a ferocious ripper in every form.

“As Mankind Rots” releases on February 5th via Xtreem Music!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “As Mankind Rots” on Bandcamp here.