Benighted are a French brutal death metal/grindcore band formed in 1998. Four years after the release of Obscene Repressed, the band returned with their tenth studio album, Ekbom, once again delivering the uncompromising brutality and intensity that have become their trademark.
Ekbom syndrome is a psychiatric condition in which a person experiencing psychosis develops the delusional belief that their body is infested with parasites, despite there being no actual infestation. Quite a disturbing concept, isn’t it? And who better than Benighted to explore such a nightmarish subject? When it comes to extreme brutality, the French band have few equals, and Ekbom offers no significant departure from their established sound. However, that is certainly no reason for disappointment: the ferocity, technical precision and sheer aggression that define their music remain firmly intact.
The entire album takes the listener on a disturbing journey into the world of Ekbom syndrome, with its concept extending even to the artwork. Across 12 tracks and approximately 37 minutes, Benighted combine brutal death metal, slam and grindcore with their characteristic technical proficiency, relentless speed and unsettling atmosphere. The record opens with “Prodome”, a relatively calm but sinister introduction that gradually establishes an atmosphere of tension. Voices repeating phrases such as “stay away” and “do it” create the impression of a troubled mind, perhaps representing the psychological turmoil experienced by someone suffering from the condition. It is an effective introduction to what follows.
“Scars” immediately shatters that uneasy calm with an explosion of aggression, introducing the unmistakable guttural vocals of Julien Truchan. From there, the album rarely allows the listener a moment to catch their breath. The combination of crushing guitar riffs, relentless drumming and Truchan’s remarkable vocal versatility keeps the intensity consistently high. Benighted demonstrate once again their ability to balance sheer sonic violence with tight musicianship and dynamic songwriting, ensuring that the album never becomes a monotonous exercise in brutality.
Among the highlights, “Flesh Against Flesh” stands out for its blistering speed and technical intensity, while “Mother Earth. Mother Whore” provides a powerful closing statement. Both tracks effectively capture the album’s overall character, combining ferocious instrumentation and aggressive vocal performances with lyrical themes that complement its disturbing concept.
Ultimately, Ekbom is another solid addition to Benighted’s discography. Although it does not reinvent the band’s established formula, it demonstrates that their particular approach to brutal death metal and grindcore remains as effective as ever. The album delivers precisely what fans have come to expect: uncompromising heaviness, technical musicianship and an abundance of extreme vocal aggression. For those already familiar with Benighted, Ekbom offers another convincing dose of their trademark brutality.
Comments are closed.