Review: “The Human Condition” by Profaned

While the years of great plague, famine and pestilence that were the global pandemic brought much hardship to the international Metal community it also lead to the creation of some really interesting music. Suddenly and without warning musicians who had often talked about ideas for side projects had the opportunity to bring them to life, the internet age and advances home studio gear allowing for collaborations that were previously not possible. One such project was Profaned, a Swedish Heavy Metal act that found Skjord multi instrumentalist Henrik Wesström and vocalist Thomas Clifford (Abscession, Blood of Serpents, Rex Demonus, Throne of Heresy, Zombie Destrüktion) join forces, the pair, like so many, simply searching for a creative outlet. In January of 2021 they unleashed a debut EP in “Surreal Existence“, a record which drew comparisons to the works of Candlemass, Nevermore and Iced Earth.

Taking inspirations from the darker side of late ’90s and early ’2000s European Metal the duo now return with a debut full length titled “The Human Condition” for which they bring with them an intriguing collection of guests. Johan Samuelsson is credited with keyboards and orchestration throughout, Skjord bassist Majd Haidar performs on three tracks and the unholy trinity of Northborn guitarist Ture Aspelin, Hexed vocalist Tina Gunnarsson and Henrik Albinsson of The Sigil and Erodead also make their presence felt. As if that wasn’t enough, the album was mixed and mastered at Kalthallen Studios (October Falls, Depression, Ash Of Ashes) and is adorned by artwork from Jeremy Neill (Son Of Sam).

A Traditional Heavy Metal anthem with a hint of Power Metal “Majestic” is an ode to the pilots of WWII with electrifying riffs and an uplifting lyrical narrative. The orchestrations give the track an epic feel but whats interesting about it is that it feels like a mid-album cut rather than an opener. That’s not to say its a bad track in any way, shape or form, just that it doesn’t have that je ne sais quoi that you might expect. A track that does have that is follow up “Father of Woe” which features Tina Gunnarsson of Hexed fame, the chugging riffs and galloping drums leading the charge as the two vocalists go toe to toe in fine fashion. The melodic leads are as glorious as the rampaging guitar attacks, the orchestrations adding that little bit more texture without being overpowering.

There is an eerie almost ethnic vibe about the start of “End of Eden” that fades to black as the vocals from Clifford come into play, the lyrical narrative having a bit of Wednesday 13 about it. A heavier cut front loaded with staccato riff breaks and a short but majestic solo, it has a powerful stomp to get the heads banging coupled with warm a sing-a-long chorus. “The Demon Calls” then feels like a conjoined twin with an undercurrent of darkness and similar stylings, the gut punch coming from a virtuoso solo after a high pitched vocal moment from Clifford which threatens to cause tinnitus.

From one heart of darkness to another “The Human Condition” warns of free will being controlled by the powers that be who brainwash the masses into believing their narratives. A powerful statement piece of a tune designed to take a crowbar to the minds eye, it will make you pause for thought once the headbanging is over, another breathtaking solo something you’ll come back for time and again. A classic 80’s styled anthem of epic scale “The Question” brings to mind Americans Threering as it bleeds through the bandages in melancholic fashion. The orchestration and the heavier guitar moments give it a real edge but you can’t help but feel it would have worked better as an album closer given its qualities.

A solo from Henrik Albinsson of The Sigil and Erodead graces “Dorian Gray“, a cut with which Clifford demonstrates impressive storytelling capabilities. The lead guitar work is utterly majestic, a couple of swift tempo changes making it one of the records finest moments. Leaning on occult themes “Cynosures” has some great riffs, the mid tempo crush of the rhythm guitars elevating it by making it that bit more powerful. It’s one of those which sounds great but it probably a verse and chorus over long, shortening it would give it more impact. Once more with feeling? “Through the Veils of Death” brings together all the elements of the bands sound into one single easy to swallow tune with a gloriously dark spoken word and some death growls adding depth and texture to the slick fretboard work. [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Majestic
2. Father of Woe (ft. Tina Gunnarsson of Hexed)
3. End of Eden
4. The Demon Calls
5. The Human Condition
6. The Question
7. Dorian Gray (ft. Henrik Albinsson of The Sigil, Erodead)
8. Cynosures
9. Through the Veils of Death

“The Human Condition” by Profaned is out 14th May 2026 and is available over at bandcamp