Where The Slime Live Blends Melodic Death Metal Growls With Ethereal Clean Vocals

Emerging from the murky depths of Stockholm’s underground metal scene in the late 1980s, Entombed emerged as one of the pioneers of Swedish death metal. This subgenre, characterized by its relentless aggression, down-tuned guitars, and guttural vocals, would go on to influence countless bands worldwide. “Where The Slime Live” stands out as a seminal track from their 1990 debut album, “Left Hand Path,” showcasing the band’s ability to seamlessly blend brutality with melody.

The song explodes onto the scene with a flurry of blast beats and tremolo picking, instantly establishing the dark and relentless atmosphere that would become synonymous with Entombed. Guitarists Alex Hellidon and David Andersson unleash a torrent of riffs that are both technical and memorable, weaving together intricate melodies within the sonic chaos.

Lars Göran Petrov’s vocals, delivered in his trademark guttural growl, add a further layer of intensity to the track. He alternates between ferocious roars and surprisingly melodic clean vocals, creating a dynamic interplay that elevates “Where The Slime Live” beyond typical death metal fare. The lyrics themselves are steeped in horror imagery, painting a vivid picture of a world teeming with monstrous creatures lurking in the shadows.

Entombed’s line-up for “Left Hand Path,” besides Hellidon, Andersson and Petrov, included drummer Nicke Andersson (who later went on to form the rockabilly band The Hellacopters) and bassist Orvar Sörström. This particular combination of musicians proved to be incredibly potent, driving the band’s success during this crucial period in death metal history.

Musical Breakdown

Tempo & Structure: “Where The Slime Live” is primarily driven by a relentless blast beat tempo, hovering around 200 bpm for much of the song. This creates an overwhelming sense of speed and aggression, typical of Swedish death metal. However, the track isn’t solely reliant on this unrelenting pace. There are moments of respite where the tempo slows down, allowing for more atmospheric passages and melodic interludes.

The song structure itself follows a fairly traditional verse-chorus format.

Instrumentation:

• Guitars: The guitars are heavily distorted and tuned down to achieve a thick, heavy sound. The riffs are both complex and memorable, often incorporating melodic elements alongside brutal aggression. Tremolo picking is used extensively throughout the track to create a sense of relentless intensity.

• Vocals: Lars Göran Petrov’s vocals are what truly set “Where The Slime Live” apart from other death metal tracks. He effortlessly switches between his signature guttural growl and surprisingly clean, melodic singing. This dynamic interplay adds depth and complexity to the song’s overall structure.

• Drums: Nicke Andersson provides a relentless barrage of blast beats throughout most of the track, driving the music forward with an unwavering intensity. The drumming is technically proficient yet perfectly serves the song’s aggressive nature.

Historical Context & Influence

Entombed emerged during the Swedish death metal explosion of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Other prominent bands from this scene included At The Gates, Dismember, and Grave. “Left Hand Path” became a cornerstone of the genre, influencing countless subsequent death metal bands with its distinctive blend of brutality and melody.

The album’s success can be attributed to several factors:

• Musical Innovation: Entombed’s music combined the relentless aggression of traditional death metal with melodic elements drawn from thrash and even progressive rock. This fusion resulted in a sound that was both brutal and accessible, appealing to a broader audience.

• Strong Songwriting: “Where The Slime Live,” along with other tracks on “Left Hand Path” like “Living Death” and “But Life Goes On”, feature memorable riffs, catchy choruses, and dynamic song structures. This focus on songwriting craftsmanship helped the band stand out amidst a sea of increasingly technical but often unmemorable death metal acts.

• Production Quality: The album’s production was also exceptional for its time. The guitars are thick and powerful, the drums are punchy and well-defined, and Lars Göran Petrov’s vocals are both brutal and clear. This high level of sonic quality helped showcase the band’s musical prowess to a wider audience.

“Where The Slime Live” remains a testament to Entombed’s influence on death metal. Its unique blend of brutality, melody, and lyrical darkness continues to inspire new generations of musicians, ensuring that its place in metal history is secure.