I’m pleased to say that I discovered December Flower on MySpace (does anyone still use MySpace?) a fair while ago and instantly became hooked on their demo, “Moloch”. “Moloch” was an insanely promising dose of melodeath that made me want to hear more… so, since then, I’ve been waiting (rather impatiently) for a full length album to be released.
Now, in December 2011, I have my full length and the tension in the air as I was about to press ‘play’ for the very first time was palpable. On the strength of the demo, I had decided that whatever December Flower released in the future would be pure gold. By my calculations, “When All Life Ends…” should be the melodeath equivalent of the Holy Grail. That’s a lot of pressure to put on one album.
Let me get one thing straight: “When All Life Ends…” is not the Holy Grail. Nor will it necessarily change your life. You will find, however, that December Flower have achieved what they set out to do – they’ve created neck-breakingly impressive melodeath record. The band gives nods of apprecation throughout the release to the Gotherburg scene – particularly In Flames (as you might expect) and Dark Tranquility.
The fact that “Despise Your Life” from the “Moloch” demo makes an appearance made me do my Happy Dance (I really should get that dance trademarked) and it was great to hear it alongside the newer material. “Despise Your Life” was one of my favourites from the demo, so it’s odd to think that it’s NOT one of my favourites on the album. It’s clear that the band have progressed immeasurably since “Moloch” and the newer material is absolutely blinding. New favourites now include: “As Darkness Reigns”, “Aeon”, “And Blood Has to be Shed” and “The Fountain”.
I know it’s nearly the end of 2011, but don’t let this album pass you by.
… and, you never know, perhaps it will reach that Holy Grail status after multiple listens… 
Rating: 97%
[...] missed by many. If you like your melodeath then I’d strongly suggest picking this bad boy up! Click here for my [...]