Judging from the band’s 2020 album “Misanthropic Breed”, it is safe to say that LIK has maintained its trademark sound, despite the similarities to bands like Feral and Demonical, LIK’s catchy rhythms, melodic leads, and solos predominate and remain gripping even at faster tempos in the opening track “Deceased” which in my opinion is a homage to Entombed. The rotten guitar tone backs the thundering drums, but the escalation tends to offer plenty of hooks on “War Praise”, it feels like you are listening to a modernized version of Dismember.

The melodic leads and songwriting ensure that the quality is above mediocrity, and the excellent contribution of catchy melodies flows perfectly throughout the album. Tomas Åkvik (vocals and guitars), Niklas “Nille” Sandin (guitars), Chris Barkensjö (drums), and Joakim Antman (bass) offer their dynamic palettes by presenting fast stomping drums and shifting tempos.

The songs feature earworm melodies and galloping riffs reminiscent of Iron Maiden, for instance, the violent rampage of the drum’s tempos surpass the speed of light is perfected, on this album. The guitar arrangements add depth to the songs and sound aggressively lethal when you hear the raw riffing exploding in your face.

The fourth studio album is an explosive mix of ferocious brutality and catchy melodic hooks, and there is a compelling diversity that captures the raw aggression of the Swedish trademark; it all gets even nastier on “They” is powered by rotten HM-2 guitars. The mid-paced tempo is present, but the riffs are less melodic; the overall sound is abyssal and the up-tempo sections are brutal.

Every song offers aggression and brutality. For example, “Worms Inside” takes a ferocious approach. The drums don’t rely upon blast beats, but the riffs and the drums wreaking havoc. The guitar infuses a catchy, melodic guitar section into the song. The melodies are inspired by godfathers of Swedish death and melodic death metal like Dismember and At The Gates.

“Morgue Rat” is a mid-paced song that begins with a bass intro; the fueled aggression increases the intensity of the drums and features the vocal talents of Linnea Landstedt (Tyranex and Ice Age). “Shred into Pieces” focuses on sheer aggression and rampant drums, bringing a brisk tempo with fiery guitars and hammering blast beats heavily present in this song.

While “In Ruins” which is as brutal and heavy as the previous song features Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost, and Bloodbath) on vocals. The guitars maintain the pummeling pace with the drums and some catchy riffing adding memorable moments and unique melodic passages, with the guitar work stands out and keeps the aggression flowing throughout the song.

“The Stockholm Massacre” starts with fast thrashing drums that keep up with insane chainsaw tremolo picking. “Fields of Death” is as fast and blistering as the previous song, but it’s infused with fabulous melodies and guitar solos. LIK has topped its quality with the combination of the melodic parts and aggression, even when combining these elements the songs remain as powerful as the final track “Rotten Inferno” sees the band pushing their songwriting boundaries as they deliver one of their darkest and most atmospheric songs ever, showcasing their skills and diversity.

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