Release Date May 29th, 2026
Format LP/CD/Digital
Genre Death/Black Metal
Origin Denmark
For nearly twenty years, Crocell have been carving their name into the underground with a savage mix of blackened aggression and death metal force. Coming out of Denmark with a sound that pulls influence from acts like Marduk, Immortal, Necrophobic and Belphegor, the band have stayed active through lineup shifts, changing eras in extreme metal and the passing of former guitarist Rasmus “Hexen” Henriksen. With seventh album “Swarm Of Insects”, the band return with fire in their veins and a stronger grip on what makes their music hit with such intensity.
“Swarm Of Insects” continues the path opened by “Of Frost, Of Flame, Of Flesh”, though this album pushes harder into darker and more venomous territory. The riffs attack with sharp precision, the drumming drives everything forward like a war machine and the vocals spit pure contempt without falling into parody. What gives this release extra strength is how naturally melody and brutality are woven together. The album tears through violent sections one moment and slips into colder, sinister passages the next, giving the songs a lasting impact instead of turning into a blur of endless blasting.
The arrival of guitarist Mads Bertram clearly injected new blood into the songwriting. The material sounds focused and hungry, while still staying true to the core identity Crocell built over the years. Tracks like “Sarcophagus”, “Traitors' Blood” and “Wolfen Man” hammer forward with real force, though the band also allow darker atmosphere and tension to spread through the album in a way that strengthens the entire experience. There is a harsh, almost suffocating aura hanging over these songs, fitting perfectly with themes of oppression, betrayal and human decay.
Production wise, Crocell made a smart move by recording the album on their own for the first time. The sound is fierce and vivid without turning sterile or mechanical. Every instrument comes through clearly and the album maintains its aggressive edge throughout. The mix from Lasse at Ballade Studios gives the music enough sharpness and depth to let the violent moments explode properly while the darker passages retain their chilling presence. It sounds like a band fully locked into its vision and willing to push itself further than before.
Lyrically and visually, “Swarm Of Insects” paints a grim picture of humanity feeding on lies, fear and manipulation. The album title alone creates strong imagery and the songs reflect a world collapsing under greed, tyranny and blind obedience. Crocell avoids empty shock value and instead channel genuine anger and frustration into the music, which gives the album more staying power after repeated listens.
Fans of vicious death and black metal with atmosphere, aggression and memorable songwriting should have no trouble connecting with “Swarm Of Insects”. It is an album for listeners who want extreme metal with sharp songwriting and a dark spirit running through every song. Anyone expecting soft edges or easy hooks should stay far away. Crocell sound energized, focused and dangerous here, delivering one of the strongest releases of their career.
| 8.5
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