For as primitive and brutal death metal always has been deemed, and for good reason, it also is a really dexterous sound that bands have found ways to stretch like rubber. The creativity and ferocity have worked together as pretty decent partners, and it’s refreshing to know this sound has grown well past the swamps and graveyards.
Canadian death band Mors Verum haven’t been terribly consistent with recorded output since their inception more than a decade ago as they have a 2019 full-length and a couple EPs on their resume leading into 2026. They have returned with “Canvas,” a five-track EP that is their first release in five years, and it shows they have progressed into a different animal. The band—vocalist Lyndon, guitarist Kamble, bassist Spencer, drummer Greg—seems to have found a formula that works for them, and if they continue down this path, perhaps we can get more consistent output from them. It’s a promising step toward a richer future.
“Bloodied Teeth” opens blistering, guitars jarring as the howls scrape, stretchy and delirious playing muddying the waters. The pace explores before pummeling again, techy soot choking as it hammers away. “Your Apocalypse” chews and trudges, throaty growls hammering, shrieks taking over from there. Everything enters into a dreamy haze, the guitars going spacey as the vocals seize further control, the bass quivering before the veins begin to clog. Leads spread and then dart, the growls smearing, the guitars cutting through bone. “Serenade” rings out before guitars drill, guttural filth spewing, mauling intensity energizing the brawl. The conditions turn dry and zany, guitars tingling as the lead lines burn into a strange dose of psychedelia. The title track chugs, growls carve, and the guitars pulse, speed becoming a greater factor. Riffs spiral as the bass buzzes, prog fog rising and intoxicating, a haunting theremin acting as a phantom. Bruising power and dizzying chaos unite, guitars glistening and sweeping before burning out. “Mortal” closes things, darkness spreading as drums pulse, and the pace batters. Deathly thrashing bursts, the growls barring, dehydrated planes feeling properly storming, throaty wails choking hard, a manic run coming to a devastating end.
“Canvas” is an EP that doesn’t necessarily break new ground in progressive death metal, but it adds some different nuances that makes things more interesting. Mors Verum aren’t exactly awash in recorded material, and this is a slightly different direction, but it’s eye opening and seems to have found an interesting path. If the band is feeling this direction, keep with it and come up with a new full-length album. That’ll be telling.
For more on the band, go here: https://morsverum-label.bandcamp.com/
To buy the album, go here: https://morsverum-label.bandcamp.com/album/canvas
For more on the label, go here: https://transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com/
Meat Mead Metal 