Incantation – Unholy Deification (Review)

Incantation are a US death metal band and this is their thirteenth album.

A new Incantation album is always an event, and this is no different. Unholy Deification is a 42-minute feast of grim death metal that once again demonstrates why Incantation are so good at what they do.

Unholy Deification is driven by a passionate anger that seeps through the pores of the music like a enraged virus. Incantation sound mean and aggressive, tearing out blasting hostility and sinister riffs. That word sinister is important though, because despite the album’s obvious aggression, it still manages to capture that quintessential Incantation sound; abyssal atmosphere and dark doom combined.

The songs mix the violent speed and menacing doom that Incantation are renowned for very well. Unholy Deification may skew towards the former, but it definitely doesn’t neglect the latter. It’s a record of evil intensity and world-swallowing moods, providing the listener with a horrific journey into darkness that’s both punishing and malign.

Incantation have created a stellar collection of death metal songs here. Whether crushing with brutal grace, pulsing with fierce malevolence, blasting with vicious fury, or swamping with waves of gloomy atmosphere, Unholy Deification is nothing if not effective. If you are a fan of Incantation, or of death metal in general, then the band’s latest offers a highly satisfying and enjoyable experience.

Incantation are a iconic band, and Unholy Deification is an album worthy of their status. Effortlessly enjoyable and rewarding, every song is a winner.

Very highly recommended indeed.