Descent (Orbit Culture album)

Descent
Studio album by Orbit Culture
Released	18 August 2023 (2023-08-18)
Genre	Melodic death metal [1] groove metal heavy metal [2]
Length	48:26
Label	Seek & Strike
Producer	Niklas Karlsson
Orbit Culture chronology
Nija (2020) Descent (2023) Death Above Life (2025)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Acta Infernalis	95/100 [3]
Boolin Tunes	6/10 [4]
Chaoszine	[5]
Distorted Sound	7/10 [2]
GBHBL	10/10 [6]
Ghost Cult Magazine	8/10 [7]
Metal Hammer	[8]
Noizze	7/10 [1]

Descent is the fourth studio album by Swedish melodic death metal band Orbit Culture. It was released on 18 August 2023, via Seek & Strike Records in LP, CD and digital formats. Frontman Niklas Karlsson stated that Descent was meant to be "a live-friendly album, but in the end it turned out to be this big-ass darker monster," referring to its balance of light and dark elements. "That's what we're pushing for: the highest mountain to the lowest abyss." ^[9] The album was well-received by critics and audiences, receiving praise and favorable ratings from reviewers. ^[10] Two songs from the album's recording sessions were later released as part of an EP titled The Forgotten, released later that year. ^[11]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Niklas Karlsson.

Descent track listing

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Descending"	1:38
2.	"Black Mountain"	5:30
3.	"Sorrower"	6:30
4.	"From the Inside"	6:08
5.	"Vultures of North"	4:38
6.	"Alienated"	3:17
7.	"The Aisle of Fire"	5:44
8.	"Undercity"	5:39
9.	"Descent"	4:19
10.	"Through Time"	5:03
Total length:		48:26

Personnel

Orbit Culture

• Niklas Karlsson – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, production, mixing, mastering, engineering
• Richard Hansson – lead guitar
• Fredrik Lennartsson – bass guitar
• Christopher Wallerstedt – drums

Additional contributor

• Max Wellaston – artwork

References

1. Aden, Josiah (15 August 2023). "Orbit Culture – Descent". Noizze. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
2. Marshall, Will (15 August 2023). "ALBUM REVIEW: Descent – Orbit Culture". Distorted Sound. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
3. "Review 1933: Orbit Culture – Descent – English". Acta Infernalis. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
4. Hammond, Joe (17 August 2023). "ALBUM REVIEW: Orbit Culture — Descent". Boolin Tunes. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
5. Suloinen, Julia (13 August 2023). "Orbit Culture's new album "Descent": rageful rhythms, mysterious noises and a creepy spirit of the wilderness". Chaoszine. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
6. Fisher, Carl (14 August 2023). "Album Review: Orbit Culture – Descent (Seek and Strike Records)". GBHBL. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
7. Rosie (15 August 2023). "ALBUM REVIEW: Orbit Culture – Descent". Ghost Cult Magazine. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
8. Brennan, Adam (22 August 2023). "Descent isn't just one of 2023's best albums: it should be the record that finally confirms Orbit Culture as metal's next big breakout band". louder. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
9. ""Highest mountain, lowest abyss": Inside ORBIT CULTURE's most extreme album yet". Revolver. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
10. Tilkin, Laureline (9 August 2023). "REVIEW: Orbit Culture - Descent". Tuonela Magazine. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
11. Grütz, Moritz (2 October 2025). "Orbit Culture - Interviews - Metal1.info". Metal1.Info. Retrieved 10 October 2025.