
“Lord of the Flies,” a brutal yet surprisingly melodic track by Swedish death metal pioneers, Entombed A.D., plunges listeners into a sonic realm that simultaneously embraces aggression and melancholic beauty. Released in 2016 as part of their acclaimed album “To Ride, Shoot Straight & Speak the Truth, …Once More,” this track showcases the band’s enduring ability to forge captivating musical journeys through intricate riffs, thunderous drumming, and haunting vocal melodies.
Entombed A.D., originally formed in Stockholm in 1987 as Entombed, has long been a cornerstone of the death metal scene. The band’s early work helped define the genre’s sound with raw aggression and a penchant for dark, morbid themes. Albums like “Left Hand Path” (1990) and “Clandestine” (1991) are considered classics, influencing countless bands that followed.
However, Entombed A.D.’s evolution didn’t stop there. They embraced experimentation while retaining their signature heaviness, incorporating elements of punk, hardcore, and even melodic death metal into their sound. This willingness to push boundaries led them to create a diverse discography, captivating fans with varying tastes within the metal spectrum.
The story of “Lord of the Flies” begins with its ferocious opening riff. Driven by Lars Göran Petrov’s iconic growls and Nico Elgstrand’s blistering guitar work, the track instantly establishes an atmosphere of relentless power. The rhythm section, consisting of drummer Olle Dahlstedt and bassist Victor Brandt, lays down a foundation of thunderous grooves that propel the song forward with unrelenting intensity.
But “Lord of the Flies” isn’t merely about brute force; it possesses a surprising depth and melody. As the song progresses, lead guitar melodies emerge from the maelstrom, weaving intricate patterns that evoke a sense of haunting beauty. Petrov’s vocals shift between guttural growls and soaring screams, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the piece.
This juxtaposition of brutality and melody is what makes “Lord of the Flies” so captivating. It’s a sonic rollercoaster ride that takes listeners through moments of sheer aggression, followed by passages of unexpected serenity.
Dissecting the Musical Structure:
1. Intro (0:00-0:15):
- Begins with a slow, ominous guitar riff
- Builds tension and sets the stage for the impending chaos
2. Verse 1 (0:15-0:40):
- Enters with ferocious intensity driven by blast beats
- Petrov’s growls are at their most visceral, conveying raw aggression
3. Chorus (0:40-1:00):
- Introduces a melodic hook with soaring lead guitar lines
- Creates a sense of bittersweet beauty amidst the brutality
4. Verse 2 (1:00-1:30):
- Similar to Verse 1, but incorporates different riff variations
5. Bridge (1:30-2:00):
- Slows down tempo, creating a sense of anticipation
- Builds tension through intricate guitar harmonies and atmospheric drumming
6. Guitar Solo (2:00-2:45):
- Showcases Elgstrand’s technical proficiency with blistering shredding
- Melodic phrasing adds another layer of complexity and emotion
7. Final Chorus (2:45-3:15):
- Returns to the powerful chorus melody, but with added intensity
8. Outro (3:15-3:30):
- Fades out gradually, leaving a lingering sense of unease
Beyond the Music:
“Lord of the Flies,” beyond its musical brilliance, offers a deeper lyrical reflection. While the band hasn’t explicitly disclosed the song’s meaning, its title and aggressive nature suggest themes related to societal breakdown, human savagery, and the struggle for power. This interpretation aligns with William Golding’s classic novel “Lord of the Flies,” which explores similar themes through a group of stranded schoolboys descending into chaos.
Entombed A.D.’s willingness to tackle complex and controversial themes adds another layer of depth to their music. They aren’t afraid to confront societal ills and explore the darker aspects of human nature, making their work both engaging and thought-provoking.
The track stands as a testament to Entombed A.D.’s enduring legacy in extreme metal. Their ability to fuse brutality with melody, aggression with introspection, makes “Lord of the Flies” a standout piece within their discography and a compelling example of death metal’s artistic potential.
For fans seeking a sonic journey through darkness and light, “Lord of the Flies” is an essential listen.