Mortalicum – “The Endtime Prophecy”

One of the cool things with underground music is uncovering some of the hidden jewels in what is a sea of mediocrity. Also cool, but at the same time disheartening, is that some of these bands are much better than groups on bigger indie and even independent labels. Although some underground purists cry “sell out” when a band is discovered by more than a couple of hundred people, I for one find it to be a victory when quality prevails.

This said, I sincerely hope that Sweden’s Mortalicum end up being one of the bands that DO make it at least somewhat out of obscurity as their second album, The Endtime Prophecy, is just as good as most of the stuff I’ve heard on larger labels. The best way to describe the band’s sound is by comparing them to fellow Swedes Grand Magus: good traditional metal a la Maiden and Priest with some doom elements thrown in for good measure. The songs are all solid and the only true filler track is the ballad, which I personally felt detracted from the rest of the record. Opening track “My Dying Soul” is fantastic with catchy riffs and a memorable chorus while the rest of the album is chock full of solid songs that will make any headbanger smile. Hopefully these guys get the attention that they deserve!

Track Listing:

01. My Dying Soul
02. Revelation Within
03. The Endtime Prophecy
04. When Hell Freezes Over
05. Devil’s Hand
06. Dark Knight
07. Ballad of a Sorrowful Man
08. Embracing Our Doom
09. The End

Run Time: 46:26
Release Date: April 27, 2012

Check out the song: “My Dying Soul”