Ah, yes, our new series of “Dang, we missed this release the first time and we’re looking for an excuse to still cover it!” Catchy title, right? It’s not far off but in actuality, we don’t think holding off on a review until an artist hits close to town as part of a tour supporting said release is that bad an idea. With that said, we’re tackling the latest from Immolation called Descent that’s out now through Nuclear Blast!
With their 12th full-length, the Death Metal outfit from Yonkers set out to prove why they’re still one of the best in the biz with a blistering collection of tracks that are easily discernible as Immolation classics while also holding their own with the new breed of Metal upstarts!
“These Vengeful Wings”, while menacing, is also kind of triumphant sounding… well, as triumphant you can get in the Death Metal genre that is! Hard hitting and relentless with Robert Vigna’s scorching guitar lines (Coupled with Rhythm Guitarist Alex Bouks) making their mark all across it as longtime partner Ross Dolan (Also on Bass) delivers those signature guttural growls as only he can. “The Ephemeral Curse” is even more vengeful, with a blistering aural assault to start before settling into some slower moments that highlight the mastery drummer Steve Shalaty has over the kit as “God’s Last Breath” begins like a dirge before transforming into an even more thunderous affair.
“Adversary” is a monster and one that’s sure to light up the crowds if it doesn’t already with “Attrition” flowing out of there like a majestic/macabre march. “Bend Towards The Dark” is a shred fest with both Bouks and Vigna earning those paychecks, “Host” percolates nicely and intensely rumbles thanks to Shalaty’s drumming, and “False Ascent” is glorious and showcases Shalaty’s precision pummeling and Vigna and Bouks’ sleek shreds as Dolan ominously growls. The beginning of the end starts next with the instrumental moodiness of “Banished”, luring listeners in with a false sense of security, before the brutality of “Descent” rises for one last blast of Death Metal greatness delivered in a way that only Immolation can.
Descent is out now through Nuclear Blast and you can grab a copy now by heading here or to the stream below. For more from Immolation, including where to catch them live, like TONIGHT on the tour they’re currently on with Rotting Christ and Deicide supporting Behemoth which happens to hit the Worcester Palladium on May 1st (Again, TONIGHT! But sans Deicide for just this date with advance tix here), hit the socials located here or here.