A masterclass on the condensed album.

In October 2025, the Canadian band Scorching Tomb delivered their fourth album, a ferocious and unpolished death metal release titled Ossuary. This album, which is just under thirty minutes long, captures the raw energy of old-school death metal, channeling a brutal, direct approach. The sound features primitive heaviness, combining low-register, raw vocals with some surprisingly catchy hardcore riffs. Lyrically, Ossuary explores grim themes of decay, putrefaction and imminent mortality.

Going more in depth, the band officially introduced themselves to the metal underground scene in Canada in 2018. Vincent Patrick-Lajeunesse, the co-founder and frontman, serves as the vocalist and public face of the band. The experienced quartet is completed by co-founder Philippe Leblanc on guitars, Miguel Lepage on bass and Émile Savard on drums. Together, this talented lineup creates the fast and hardcore music heard on Ossuary. 

A notable track on the album is “ScullCrush,” which has a heavy bass line for the introduction. Tense and grim, the song’s mood is set by the low-gear, chugging rhythm which plows ahead with unstoppable force. There is also a guest vocalist on the track, Devin Swank of Sanguisugabogg, whose vocals contribute to the dark feel of the song.

Additionally, the sixth track, “Feel the Blade,” stands out as another heavy entry, significant for its shifts in both tempo and riff styles throughout its duration. The musical work begins with a speedy, grooving riff followed by the full band layering in to achieve a fuller sound for the vocal section. The collaboration with Primal Horde further elevates the track, injecting additional energy and aggression through their brutal, straightforward guitar work.

Track seven, “Bloodlust Sacrifice,” is another extended piece on this ominous album. The guitar riffs swiftly build a hostile atmosphere, relentlessly driven forward by the unyielding, machine-gun stutter of the double bass drum. Catchy metal grooves briefly surface midway, powering the momentum-filled song toward its savage conclusion.

 In conclusion, Ossuary isn’t a stylistic revolution for death metal, but Scorching Tomb absolutely nails the genre’s essentials. The sound is a masterclass on the condensed album: production is distorted and heavy, the riffs are consistently aggressive and violent and the playing is fiercely executed. In addition, this album is a testament to the fact that drive and a strong effort can forge something fresh, even from the most classic blueprint.