Having been thoroughly impressed with this young band's debut, Nightspawn, I was quite surprised to find this new full-length awaiting my daily voyage to the mailbox not too long ago. It immediately brought back fond memories of many nights listening to high-class Dissection-esque metal mixed with Dimmu sensibilities. Venturing forth with their second album in as many years, we find that Grief of Emerald hasn't strayed too far off the beaten path. However, they have managed to replace most of their obvious Dissection influences for more of a typically modern-sounding black metal outfit, not unlike newer Dimmu Borgir. In fact, Malformed Seed sounds a lot like newer Dimmu Borgir, minus the incredible vocals of Simen Hestnaes. Interestingly enough, Grief of Emerald pull off this particular brand of polished-beyond-all-reason blackened metal better than Dimmu's latest installment. Spiritual Black Dimensions proved to be quite a disappointment on behalf of Norway's hometown heroes, due to their abandoning of atmosphere for pure, uncompromising and not-at-all-justified speed. Now this is where Grief of Emerald comes into play. Malformed Seed, although containing more than a few bursts of aggressive guitar romps in hyper-speed land, draws more from the pool of mid-paced, blackened death metal that is more akin to Enthrone Darkness Triumphant. That album contained a certain richness and refinement, that one instantly hears on Malformed Seed. Razor sharp riffing ushers in ethereal and mystifying synths that are used primarily as filler, only really peeking out from behind the band's metallic exterior for choice moments of ambience. However, where Grief of Emerald really starts to shine is when they let the keys become major role players, such as in the song, "Nightstalker (pentagram warrior)." Vocalist, Johnny, also turns in another fine performance through the duration of this disc, as he treads a fine line with his frighteningly low, yet completely coherent growls. For all the fans that thought Dimmu Borgir cashed in on their latest opus, Malformed Seed serves as the next best thing to what should have been. If you are a fan of hypnotic, yet blasphemous death metal, I strongly urge you to check out this highly talented young band. You won't be disappointed.
[Bryan Allen]