We live in interesting times for death metal. New bands emerge, proving through their work that they have the potential to shape the genre’s future. At the same time, the pioneers who laid its foundations decades ago still remind us that none of this would have been possible without them. In that regard, Immolation are a special case. Within death metal’s more elaborate and technically demanding spectrum, they sit on a throne they forged themselves, having achieved something remarkable: for nearly four decades, they’ve taught us to expect nothing less than the best from them, despite the passage of time.
Needless to say, the untamed fury of “Dawn of Possession” and the asphyxiating hell of “Here in After” and “Failures for Gods” remain unsurpassed. Yet those heights don’t mean that Immolation are finished today — not at all! On the contrary, this gifted band continue to engage us with compelling albums that challenge religious dogma and denounce the fall of man. You see, Immolation have remained faithful to their vision, carving their own path far from trends and fleeting hypes. Their focus has always been their art and messages they seek to convey.
Their twelfth album, “Descent”, immediately draws attention with its striking cover artwork by Israeli illustrator Eliran Kantor (he also collaborated with the band in their previous release), which -depicting a struggling fallen angel- perfectly reflects the bleak lyrical themes. Musically, things are even more impressive. The album is another worthy addition to Immolation’s consistently outstanding catalog, though it offers no major surprises. The band remain committed to the direction they’ve established, using the familiar elements of recent works through a perfectly executed formula.
What sets this album apart from its predecessor is its balance between immediacy and duration. At just forty minutes, it contrasts with the more extended yet magnificent “Acts of God” (which led some listeners to lose their way across its fifteen-track structure). Likewise, while “Descent” doesn’t carry the same cinematic essence, it more than compensates with an atmosphere of unrelenting darkness and blasphemous intensity, supported by a disciplined songwriting.
The album features Immolation’s blend of technical, brutal riffing and dark melodies, showcasing the band’s distinctive style without exaggerations. The listener is kept constantly engaged, thanks to the excellent guitar work by Vigna and Bouks. Their intricate interplay of dissonant, swirling patterns, grooves and leads indicates precision and ingenuity. Indeed, these two may well be the genre’s most outstanding guitar duo today. Their interaction is phenomenal and they never seem to reach a saturation point.
The album plunges into darkness instantly with the violent opening of “These Vengeful Winds” and the even more ferocious “The Ephemeral Curse”. Sick, disharmonic motifs (Immolation’s trademark), occasionally flirting with black metal, project a grim atmosphere, further intensified by Dolan’s ageless growls, which seem to emerge from some unknown pits of hell. While the structures aren’t excessively complex, yet the way certain tracks unfold is exemplary (“God’s Last Breath”). In the striking succession of themes and incomparable riffs, the elaborate drumming stands out as well. Shalaty dominates with hellish blastbeats and more intricate variations, proving that he’s one of the most creative drummers of the era, seamlessly integrated into the band’s vision.
“Adversary” and “Bend Towards the Dark” are quintessential Immolation moments, full of malevolence and suitable for live performances. The band also remind us of their long-standing ability to drift into doom/death territory in “Attrition” and the first part of “God’s Last Breath”. The atmospheric interlude “Banished”, placed purposefully near the end, serves as a lamentable intro to the self-titled closing track, where the band unleash all brutality and technical command in a demolishing, violent hymn of aggression and precision. The triumphant end is as musically intense as it is inhuman: “We’ve reached the point of no return, We’ve no idea what will become of us…”
“Descent” reaffirms that Immolation are important for death metal. Their recent run of remarkable albums is further strengthened by another addition — another stare into humanity’s dark side and inherent failures. Familiarity, however, doesn’t act as a deterrent thanks to the intriguing songwriting. And that’s most impressive: despite operating within well-established territory, Immolation continue to amaze with their compositional abilities and performance, still delivering strong feelings. Why should you need the “unexpected” when you know beforehand you’ll hear something outstanding, born from Vigna’s seemingly boundless creativity? That’s all the guarantee you need! In the end, Immolation’s magnificence is unmatched.
Well, deathsters can afford a sardonic smile this year, as after Monstrosity’s exceptional new effort, another brilliant release arrives from the New Yorkers. It’s good that the old men still have lessons to impart.
♦ 9/10
Alex Nikolaidis
