Kvaen - The Great Below (2022) Hi-Res

Semi-solo project KVAEN of Sweden’s most recent release aims to follow up the 2020 debut album The Funeral Pyre, which arose to some excitement in the death/thrash world. Swedish project KVAEN returns in March 2022with a host of guest contributions, including guitarist Jeff Loomis, to add 8 blistering new tracks to the band’s resume of fiery, speedy metal offerings. Mainly composed of the works of founding member and artist Jacob Bjornfot and drummer Tommi Tuhkala, The Great Below mixes death metal, thrash, and some melodic death elements to create a dynamically-diverse, technically-excellent record that is easily their best work so far.

Frankly, this album has almost all the elements necessary to make it an absolute banger of a record. There is very little missing. The recording quality is good. The song dynamics are great. The performance level of the musicians is noticeable enough to impress the listener. There is enough variation in tone and emotion to keep the audience entertained and engaged for the entire LP. The delivery of the guitar and drums is what makes the entire album, something that death/thrash/speed metal fans ought to check out this year.