Genre: Death metal
Origin: Sweden
Released: 2010
Website: -
Label: Me Saco Un Ojo Records
Uploaded: 06.05.10

As of late, this is one of the most difficult reviews I've had to write. Not because I find the album musically appalling or anything like that, but because I just don't know how to find the words to describe such a blast from the past. The roots of Chronic Decay can be found in the mid 80ies, and Justify your existence was recorded all the way back in 1994, but was never released. That is until the up and coming UK label Me Saco Un Ojo finally unearthed this true gem of old school death metal. To tell you the truth I'm not sure if I've heard more than Chronic Decay's contribution to the "Projections of a Stained Mind" compilation before, I doubt I have. So it was with relatively open eyes and ears I gave it an initial spin on the turntable, but it didn't take long before I was hooked.
The comparison to the early days of Sepultura is inevitable, fact is there are a few moments where I could imagine the old Cavalera days to have spat out some of the riffs that Justify your existence is based upon. It's a fast-paced onslaught, constantly full speed ahead drumming and catchy-as-hell riffing. The riffs are a true joy to hear as they sound so naturally progressed, like the lads didn't even have to try; playing music was the most natural thing in the world. While remaining within the realm of death metal the riffs carry a heavy thrash influence, in particular in the melody department. Fact is, on a few occasions I even thought of the early days of Metallica for some of the melodic guitar lines, like for instance during Murder by degree. The label also makes comparisons to both Dismember and Napalm Death, but it wasn't until a little while ago that I actually got the latter one. Chronic Decay has that certain little extra, spiced by some hardcorepunk, that gives it a punky old school feel similar to the earlier days of the kings of British grindcore.
Throughout the entire album the vocals deliver in aggression, and I mean aggression. The harsh screaming sounds incredibly pissed, and as a fan of the crusties Dischange and Meanwhile it's extra cool to hear the young hoarse voice of Jocke delivering something very different to his later efforts in the crust scene. Not a moment goes by that's not poised with catchiness in the riffing, and with the full-on mangle of the drumming the adrenaline level is at an all-time high. I mean, you can't resist to get drawn in. Just listen to the last moments of Relentless and you'll know what I mean. It's truly compelling, and commands one to mosh. But the lads also show a nack for quite stark atmosphere, as displayed in Silent prayer. And it all works oh-so-well, the entire album does. If you're a fan of the old Scandinavian death metal sound, and aren't afraid of thrash melody and punk attitude, this is a must have!

Tracklist:
01. Visions
02. Final grave
03. Mirrors of death
04. Hate mask
05. Return to heaven
06. Everlasting hate
07. Justify your existence
08. Murder by degree
09. No prayer for the damned
10. Relentless
11. Silent prayer
12. Treachery
13. 1st of September
14. Alko man decends