In many ways, ’Serpent Smiles’ marks a move further back to the roots of Entombed, a move that was clearly indicated by last year’s release of the promising EP ’When In Sodom’. Said (brilliant) track is also included on the present full-length.

The first track of the album, the title track, surprises a bit when it, after a nice little eerie intro, launches into replicating Motörhead’s (or is it Sodom’s?) Iron Fist.

‘Serpent Saints’ is very metal although a few punky elements have also found their way in there (primarily the tune Ministry). L-G is showing off his brutal best (the track In the Blood is probably the most grim L-G we’ve heard ever) as well as the lyrically evil humour he’s a master of is getting free room to entertain us. He’s really got the uh’s and ah’s out on parade and it’s a joy to hear and Alex Hellid’s riffs convince with the usual not-too-complicated heaviness.

Moving again along the lines of replicating heroes of old, it is funny to listen to the track Warfare Plague Famine Death which sounds a lot like an updated version of a Venom song. Is this a compliment? Not sure, but it works out alright for Entombed.

Entombed, definitely alive and kicking!