Graceless “Icons of Ruin”

Label: Listenable Records · Year: 2025

I’m only now getting properly into Graceless’ latest album, a bit late maybe, but some records actually benefit from that delayed listen. Graceless are a Dutch band formed by underground veteran musicians from different countries, most notably members connected to Soulburn, Asphyx, Xenomorph, Nailgun Massacre, and other deep-rooted European death metal acts. That collective experience is felt strongly across this album.

While earlier Graceless releases already showed small shifts and variations, Icons of Ruin takes things further and explores noticeably different directions. Some riff structures lean into a more doomy and atmospheric territory, while others suddenly break into filler thrash riffs that cut sharply through the songs. Compared to previous albums, the band is clearly more adventurous in its musical approach.

At times, you hear old-school, crusty death metal, only to be hit moments later by a sharp, classic thrash solo. On the next track, the mood may shift completely into a darker, slower, doom-infused death metal atmosphere. These transitions never feel forced; instead, they add character and unpredictability to the album.

The songwriting is highly dynamic and genuinely fun, showing a band that wanted to challenge itself without abandoning its identity. Graceless manage to absorb these influences naturally into their own sound. Anyone looking for a thoughtful, European-style death metal album with strong dynamics and variation should not miss this one.