REVIEW: Orbit Culture - Death Above Life

ORBIT CULTURE, a rising force in Sweden’s modern metal scene, has distinguished itself with a sound that fuses the aggression of thrash and melodic death metal with an atmospheric depth more akin to film scores than traditional heavy music. Since their formation in Eksjö, the band has steadily built momentum, earning international attention for their ability to balance ferocity with precision and emotion. With each release, they have expanded both their creative scope and global following, positioning themselves as one of the most compelling acts to emerge from the new generation of metal.

The album begins with the commanding force of Inferna, a track that not only sets the tone for the record’s overarching themes but also showcases the band’s sharpened and evolved sound with striking precision. This marks an extremely strong start to the album, and the quality will only be shown further with the many tracks to come. The second track is Bloodhound, in which the relentless percussion from the beginning along with technically demanding guitar work shows that this is a track of uncompromising power. Its precision and intensity make it a centrepiece that invites repeated listens, underscoring the band’s ability to balance raw aggression with refined execution.

Inside the Waves shows ORBIT CULTURE’s range, revealing a more reflective and human side to their music. The song becomes a vessel for release, a means of confronting personal battles and channelling them into something restorative and resonant. Moshers, you better be ready to hear The Tales of War - what a track that will be live! The slow start that progresses to the build up is most certainly going to ignite mosh pits and fuel circle pits with unrelenting energy. It encapsulates the very traits that define ORBIT CULTURE’s intensity. Hydra follows, and more than lives up to the momentum, striking with the force of an earthquake and delivering one of the album’s most punishing performances. The track balances relentless heaviness with dynamic shifts, moving from menacing verses into choruses that layer cleaner vocals without sacrificing intensity. The speed and the ferocious blast beats make for a punishing playthrough, whilst also having an incredibly raw, dirty tone that feels downright nasty. It is uncompromising, unpredictable, and unforgettable.

Nerve emerges as one of the album’s most emotionally charged tracks, weaving themes of inner struggle and resilience into ORBIT CULTURE’s signature heaviness. The song captures the feeling of reaching a breaking point, with tense, urgent instrumentation mirroring the fragility of its subject matter. Not only does it broaden the album’s emotional range, but also underscores the band’s ability to channel deeply personal themes into a universally resonant statement. At track seven, the title track Death Above Life stands out as one of the album’s most haunting moments. Opening with an atmospheric passage that sets a foreboding tone, the track soon descends into dense, grinding riffs that carry an almost suffocating weight. Lyrically and musically, it confronts mortality head-on, exploring death not as an abstract concept but as an inevitable presence that shadows every life.

The Storm erupts with unyielding intensity, showcasing ORBIT CULTURE at their most aggressive. The track’s grinding riffs, and relentless drive create a wall of sound that never lets up. It’s a powerful, hard-hitting piece that reinforces the band’s ability to sustain momentum deep into the record. The Path I Walk offers a stark contrast to the album’s heavier tracks, emotive vocals that carry the weight of the song’s sorrow, deeply heartfelt, capturing a raw, personal anguish. The track’s intimate tone and emotional honesty make it a poignant and unforgettable moment on the record.

Death Above Life is is an album brimming with raw emotion and unflinching intensity. With this record, ORBIT CULTURE emerge renewed, transforming personal struggles into powerful, universally resonant music. Their humanity shines through every note, allowing the listener to connect deeply with the pain and passion they convey.

Score: 9/10

Death Above Life will be released on October 3rd 2025 via Century Media.

Words: Ciara Hicks-Evans

Photos: Orbit Culture