By:
Ernesto Aguilar
Album Type: Full-length
Date Released: 11/08/2017
Label: Relapse Records
Incantation
makes it clear this war is a take-no-prisoners affair. Hammering sound comes at
you from all angles, until retreating just enough to let you see your fate.
Then it is back in for more ground and pound. Incantation deserve a great deal of
appreciation for "Profane Nexus." Alone, it is a superior release,
one that represents the genre exceedingly well, with extra recognition given
for the fact this band has been making death metal this excellent for so long.
“Profane Nexus” CD//DD//LP track listing
1.
Muse
2.
Rites of the Locust
3.
Visceral Hexahedron
4.
The Horns of Gefrin
5.
Incorporeal Despair
6.
Xipe Totec
7.
Lus Sepulcri
8.
Stormgate Convulsions from the Thunderous Shores of Infernal Realms Beyond the
Grace of God
9.
Messiah Nostrum
10.
Omens to the Altar of Onyx
11.
Ancients Arise
The Review:
What
more can be said about a band that has been literally killing it for close to
30 years, 10 albums, four EPs and countless live shows? No one can seriously
argue with that level of consistency, longevity and success. And though the
world may try, is anyone on the Internet really going to offer any real
critique of a pioneer of not just death metal but of tempo variation techniques
now part of the extreme music canon? Really, you just can't, particularly when
the group in question is Incantation.
Over
the course of their history, the New York band has undoubtedly withstood the test
of time and remained a respected voice in the game. In spite of lineup changes
over the years and a new singer in the mid-2000s, Incantation
has not missed much at all. With "Profane
Nexus," the trio – Incantation adds
members for its touring show – remains dense, explosive and unfaltering.
From
the opening of "Profane Nexus,"
"Muse," Incantation makes it clear this war is a take-no-prisoners
affair. Hammering sound comes at you from all angles, until retreating just
enough to let you see your fate. Then it is back in for more ground and pound. Incantation is 20 times better than your other favorite
band at creating the ambience of disquietude. The guitar work is abnormally
coarse. The bass feels like a sledgehammer being dragged across the floor in
your direction. The drums are the loudest dirge you may ever feel.
Among
the album's highlights is "Messiah
Nostrum" followed by "Omens
to the Altar of Onyx." The pair of songs are absolutely pummeling. The
lyrics add to the feeling of claustrophobia and fear. The introductory act to
these, "Stormgate Convulsions from
the Thunderous Shores of Infernal Realms Beyond the Grace of God," is
atmospheric and instrumental, devoid of guitar or anything else that had since
worn you down on "Profane Nexus."
Such does not make the song any less effective, however.
Incantation deserve a
great deal of appreciation for "Profane
Nexus." Alone, it is a superior release, one that represents the genre
exceedingly well. Extra recognition must be given for the fact this band has
been making death metal this excellent for so long.
