What we got here is not hardcore punk, even though the band's name very much suggests that style of music, but Swedish black metal, fast and relentless way. The Ugly hail from Stockholm and presented their sophomore full-length album 'Decreation' a couple of weeks ago. The band members include personnel from Diatonic, Marduk and Skitarg among others.

From Marduk comes drummer Fredrik Widigs. He really can blast, but thankfully breaking speed records isn't the only goal here. There are a few slower songs and parts, but it never really enters slower paces (just try 'Cult of Weakness' and prepare to be rolled over by a huge tank!). While being fast, the music as wholly is also very controlled more than chaotic in essence. Ominous and bestial riffs are mostly familiar (read: safe) from Marduk, Dark Funeral and similar artists. It's about "swarming", fast riffing, both lower and tremolo. But there's more melodic side to some of the songs, making them way more memorable than the rest. It's not topped with melodiousness, but just spiced, and I wouldn't certainly have minded if this had more melody. Or generally more variety, because now it feels pretty one-dimensional. Luckily the dimension in question is Hell at least. Surely, the album gives more if it gets given numerous proper listens. Actually, it gives more than expected after a few listens. However, due to the speedy and offensive nature of 'Decreation', it is not really suitable for those demonic incantation sessions...

The vocals are, just as expected, demonic. They don't have any silly traits, though. The main voice is totally throat-damaging croak, and it is powerful too. There are some variations, smaller stressing or greater contortions, to it. Added are some clear and theatrical voices, which work well enough. The lyrics revolve around death of mankind or universe, demonic forces (also including Cthulhu, once again) and anti-religious things. Every song except the last one, which is in the band's nature tongue, are in English. The lyrics are all above average, and there are some tasty lines. "Festering woods, that drink the putrid blood of Earth. Darkness spreads the void to consume us all."

Another Marduk linkage is Devo, who handled the album's mixing and mastering jobs. Heck, the rumble of the bass guitar can be heard! That's definitely plus, because so often it gets lost in maelstrom of guitars and drums on many a kindred album. This album is very produced indeed. You decide if you want to hear it, then. I'd say this has same kind of cold and misanthropic sound as many of Peter Tägtgren's Abyss Studio productions often carry. The guitars sound ripping and sharp. The drums, probably triggered at these speeds, are still sounding offensive, and in a good way that is. The band often gets into a heavy, fast onslaught, and a huge wall of sound is lifted. Surprisingly, while being sturdy it is also distinct; every element has its own domain, mostly. The atmosphere is both attacking and epic, due to the loudness and reverb utilized.

All in all, this is a rather powerful statement from The Ugly. I bet it could be so much more, if the songwriting was more daring. Now it feels like the band was playing safe. However, it turned to be too safe, because at times the album offers too similar material to bash your head to. But to tell the truth, it does not fall into tedium. Undisputed killers to check out are marvellous opener 'I Am Death', bloody charging 'Legio Mihi Nomen Est', a bit slower 'Cult of Weakness', Immortal hailing 'Slumber of the God' and atmospheric 'Nibiru'.

Update (01/16/2020): During the years I've listened to this album, thinking about puttig it on my trade list. But... I've never done that, but been getting more and more into it. It indeed is a powerful statement from the band with a bad name. Therefore I raise the score from 7- to 7½. Because the album deserves it.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
06/17/2015 20:29