If some one by any chance should have missed the news awhile back I'll repeat that Swedish all-star death metal combo Bloodbath have revamped their line-up. Gone is Opeth front man Mikael Åkerfeldt who has been replaced by none other than Hypocrisy/Pain main man Peter Tägtgren. Furthermore Dan Swanö has switched to guitar. Replacing him behind the kit is Witchery/Satanic Slaughter drummer Martin "Axe" Axenrot. So the line-up hasn't become any less impressive with the exit of Åkerfeldt.

At first I found Nightmares Made Flesh somewhat disappointing but I also had the predecessor Resurrection Through Carnage fresh in mind but then again it's also close to impossible to outdo such a flawless effort as Resurrection Through Carnage. Obviously the band is aware of this 'cause the new album doesn't sound like the aforementioned album even though it still bears all the characteristic trademarks of Bloodbath. But to people who have followed the band since the Breeding Death EP it shouldn't comes as a surprise that the band once again have changed their sound a little.

For those unfamiliar we're this time around dealing with old school Swedish death metal combined with the brutality and technical edge of US death metal opposite to the somewhat simplistic style that the band had on their previous releases. The music seems far more technical this time and at the same time the pace have also been quickened quite a bit compared to the past material. The deep roaring growls from Tägtgren leaves absolutely nothing to be desired proving that he's a worthy successor. Peter is sounding as intimidating as ever even though his vocals aren't quite as deep as the obscure growl from Åkerfeldt. The music is as usual very organic, diverse and memorable but this time without having quite the same catchiness and accessibility that Resurrection Through Carnage has. The production this time around seems somewhat clearer and dry opposite to the ultra thick and juicy sound that the band had on the previous record.

Resurrection Through Carnage is a darn hard album to beat and Bloodbath doesn't quite succeed in doing so but somehow it seems like the band already knew this. But this being said Nightmares Made Flesh is still far better than most other releases so far this year. However here's a little advise; "Don't expect to find Resurrection Through Carnage: Part II like I wrongfully did at first 'cause then Nightmares Made Flesh will most likely disappoint".