Megascavanger - 'Toxic Noxious Undeath' to Release

6 days ago
3 min read

Over the course of months, years, and decades, the carelessly discarded toxins seep into the earth, bleaching, mutating, and suffocating everything in their path.

Gradually, they penetrate deeper into the underworld, traversing layers of human debris, roots, rock, and history, ultimately accumulating in a forgotten realm of the dead—the abandoned, unnoticed, unmourned, unloved. Here, the poison enacts a different kind of dark magic. While it has extinguished life, it grotesquely animates the dead. The toxins infiltrate the decaying flesh and bones, and through some unholy alchemy, the lifeless bodies begin to stir. Rising from their polluted graves in a tainted miasma of corruption and decay, they are driven by a savage hunger and an insatiable thirst for revenge...

Rogga Johansson, renowned for his extensive involvement in numerous bands, each more immersed in themes of death and decay than the last, returns with his first Megascavenger album in six years. Not since the 2020 release of "Songs In The Key Of Madness" have we experienced the unique brand of morbidity that Megascavenger delivers. In the realm of all things dead, dying, and undead, the wait has been undeniably worthwhile. "Toxic Noxious Undeath" stands as not only the most exceptional album to bear Megascavenger’s name but also as one of Rogga’s finest works across his various projects—whether it be Paganizer, Ribspreader, Putrevore, or Bloodgut. If any of Rogga’s previous work has captivated you, this album is essential. For those who appreciate authentic death metal, in its raw and original form, this album is indispensable.

"Toxic Noxious Undeath" showcases an impressive lineup of guest vocalists, each featured on a different track, hailing from bands such as Massacre, Crematory, Vomitory, Mercyless, Benediction, Thorium, Maceration, Fondlecorpse, Avulsed, and Void Moon. Each vocalist delivers an outstanding performance, perfectly complementing their respective tracks and elevating them to new heights. The opening track, "Graveyard Dreams And Bonehouse Screams," epitomizes top-tier death metal with its exceptional riffs, addictive rhythms, and an electrifying vocal performance by Kam Lee. The album maintains its high quality throughout, with each song offering a distinct character and atmosphere. It's impossible to single out highlights due to the relentless consistency. On one listen, "A World Of Fire And Brimstone," with its melancholic melodies and enveloping atmosphere of darkness and horror, might seem unparalleled. On another, "Shallow Grave Overflow," featuring Dave Rotten’s inhuman vocals, emerges as one of the most intense offerings in this collection of rancid reanimation. In truth, every song is a triumph, each riff a masterpiece, and every performance world-class. With immediate impact and depth that invites repeated listens, "Toxic Noxious Undeath" ranks among the best death metal albums of the year.

Every element of Megascavenger’s return is meticulously crafted; from the haunting, malignant sound, expertly mixed and mastered by bassist Johan Berglund at Studio Ulgnor (known for work with Coldworker, Axis Of Despair, etc.), to the fittingly grotesque and skillfully executed artwork by Lucretia Morti (associated with Avulsed, Putrevore, Ribspreader, etc.). "Toxic Noxious Undeath" will be released by Xtreem Music in CD, 12” LP, cassette, and digital formats on August 13th. Prepare for the arrival of Megascavenger!

Line-up:

Rogga Johansson – Guitars

Johan Berglund – Bass

Thomas Ohlsson - Drums

Kam Lee – Vocals on ‘Graveyard Dreams And Bonehouse Screams’

Felix Stass – Vocals on ‘Corpses Below’

Erik Rundqvist – Vocals on ‘Exploding Casket Syndrome’

Max Otero – Vocals on ‘Heading For The Furnace’

Dave Ingram – Vocals on ‘A World Of Fire And Brimstone’

Michael H. Andersen – Vocals on ‘Fleshburner Yearner’

Jan Bergmann Jepsen – Vocals on ‘As Purgatory Ascends’

Silvester Koorevaar – Vocals on ‘Toxic Noxious Undeath’