Incantation Decimate Christendom
Olympic Recordings October 19th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
Id by lying if I said that my past exposures to Incantation were pleasant. Decimate Christendom, despite having myriad redeeming qualities, doesnt do anything for me either.
The chaos begins as soon as you hit play to cue the title track. The first thing I noticed was the raw (read: crappy) production. Certain bands like Darkthrone for instance feed and thrive on the lack of polished production; but, most of the time, I like the sound cleaner than Incantation prefers. Dying Divinity is speedy, intricate death metal with well-performed vocals. McEntees (guitar, vocals) wretchings though not a departure from standard death vox are enthralling in an inexplicable way. Oath of Armageddon ascertains a solid, sludgy intro; where the band truly succeeds are their slower compositions. However, some of the groups songs are simply too long. Blaspheme the Sacraments resumes the quickened pace, and its easy to drift mindlessly as the musicians drone on. In sum, Decimate Christendom is abundant in both positive and negative trance-inducing tracks. Merciless Tyranny is actually a fast, intriguing romp because its creativity and atypical traits make it more likeable than anything submitted thus far. The aforementioned track is Incantation at succinct greatness. Horns of Eradication has an ever-changing temp, which is precisely why the song falters. Unholy Empowerment of Righteous Deprivation fully emphasizes the subpar production due to its direct segue into the bombastic Thorns of Everlasting Persecution. No Paradise Awaits, Eternal Darkness Under Conquered Skies, and Feeble Existence as you may infer bring the disc to a close.
Im fairly confident that Decimate Christendom is not uncharacteristic of the bands past outputs. But, theres not enough quality here to warrant a purchase. Ultimately, however, if you like them, then youll probably warm up to their latest opus. Me? I think Ill leave Christendom alone for the time being.
6.5/10
Official Incantation website
Official Olympic Recordings website
Olympic Recordings October 19th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
Id by lying if I said that my past exposures to Incantation were pleasant. Decimate Christendom, despite having myriad redeeming qualities, doesnt do anything for me either.
The chaos begins as soon as you hit play to cue the title track. The first thing I noticed was the raw (read: crappy) production. Certain bands like Darkthrone for instance feed and thrive on the lack of polished production; but, most of the time, I like the sound cleaner than Incantation prefers. Dying Divinity is speedy, intricate death metal with well-performed vocals. McEntees (guitar, vocals) wretchings though not a departure from standard death vox are enthralling in an inexplicable way. Oath of Armageddon ascertains a solid, sludgy intro; where the band truly succeeds are their slower compositions. However, some of the groups songs are simply too long. Blaspheme the Sacraments resumes the quickened pace, and its easy to drift mindlessly as the musicians drone on. In sum, Decimate Christendom is abundant in both positive and negative trance-inducing tracks. Merciless Tyranny is actually a fast, intriguing romp because its creativity and atypical traits make it more likeable than anything submitted thus far. The aforementioned track is Incantation at succinct greatness. Horns of Eradication has an ever-changing temp, which is precisely why the song falters. Unholy Empowerment of Righteous Deprivation fully emphasizes the subpar production due to its direct segue into the bombastic Thorns of Everlasting Persecution. No Paradise Awaits, Eternal Darkness Under Conquered Skies, and Feeble Existence as you may infer bring the disc to a close.
Im fairly confident that Decimate Christendom is not uncharacteristic of the bands past outputs. But, theres not enough quality here to warrant a purchase. Ultimately, however, if you like them, then youll probably warm up to their latest opus. Me? I think Ill leave Christendom alone for the time being.
6.5/10
Official Incantation website
Official Olympic Recordings website
