Graceless - Icons of Ruin (2025)

Graceless's 2025 album Icons of Ruin has been met with critical acclaim for its fusion of old-school death metal intensity and doom-laden atmospheres. Markus' Heavy Music Blog praises the album's versatility, noting the band's ability to blend razor-sharp solos with meat-cleaver riffs, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The review highlights tracks like "God Shines in Absence" and "Beneath Starless Skies" for their atmospheric depth and powerful execution.

The Razor's Edge commends vocalist Remco Kreft's distinctive delivery, describing it as a "baritone squelch" that adds a coarse, visceral texture to the music. The review emphasizes the album's deliberate songwriting and the band's ability to maintain energy throughout, making it a standout release in Graceless's discography.

Acta Infernalis notes the album's effective use of dissonance and groove, particularly in tracks like "Lash Me to My Painful Death" and "Night of the Slain." The review appreciates the band's raw mix of aggressive death and greasy doom, rooted in old-school influences while incorporating original touches.

Target Audience Magazine observes the band's experimentation with elements of goth, black, and thrash metal, resulting in a record that, while primarily death metal, explores various sonic territories. The review acknowledges the band's ambition and musicianship, suggesting that Icons of Ruin serves as a transitional record pointing toward future growth.