In a time when classic USDM is unusually under-represented this album is considerably fresher than it initially appears in spite of its otherwise no-nonsense sound. It’s not particularly complex yet its very particular sense of structural layout and at times fairly slow-burn approach to build up might not satisfy those looking for easy gratification. It almost hints at the realms of bands like Cruciamentum and Ritualization, lacking the post- Incantation and Dead Congregation implicitly blackened undercurrent but derived from the same grounded American framework. While it is pretty plain from a glance, the utter malevolence it radiates through its meticulous pacing and calculated intensity give it a sense of deliberation to its infernal evil. There’s a refreshing clarity to this kind of prefix-free death metal, deprived of the usual cheap hardcore bro grooves and cavernous reverb-fuzz. Lamentation of Immolated Souls by Sepulcrum A bit of early Deicide creeps in via atonal muffle-chunk rhythms, dotting the sonic topography with speed bumps breaking apart and slowing down rhythms when needed. “Atmosphere” however extends from the riffs rather than suppressing them, resulting in an album whose sinister and creeping songcraft threatens with a steadily unfurling armory of riffing. Thrashy Floridian rhythms interspersed with the signature Pentagram-style melodies of the scene morph into churning atmosphere as comfortable at a slow boil as it is with streamlined blasting violence. Many Morbid Angel cultists worship at the Altars (as did they on Corpse Dividing Holes) but things have taken a Sick turn since. Most of the OSDM movement has set its sights on primarily European influences yet Chile remains the sole location where America’s classic offerings hold much sway. Excellent work that despite its age holds up tremendously well as a fresh and versatile entry in the subgenre. Sacramentum and Mork Gryning come to mind but with a more death metal sense of pacing and shifting structure. While its ingredients are familiar, the lavish arrangements, tight musicianship, and understated symphonic touch give the album a sense of vastness and atmosphere greater in scope and scale than is typical. Said gothiness benefits from Johanna Sadonis’s voice, lending her operatic wail at more than a few sections complimenting the streamlined, lightly ’80s metal-tinted riffing.
The storming blast-driven forays and concussive Dissection-esque thrashy riffing you may expect aren’t absent but they play second fiddle to elaborate, mournful melodies tinted with a gothic air. Vinterkrig – “Härskare över stjärnorna och mina drömmar” MC 2021 by Vinterkrig
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