Like the charged air before a storm, the arrival of Acts of God, IMMOLATION’s eleventh studio album, brings a potent sense of upheaval to the Death Metal scene. Set for release in winter 2022, this chapter of IMMOLATION’s saga blends relentless innovation with the deep roots of New York Death Metal, marking five years since their last offering, Atonement.
The album cover, created by Eliran Kantor, captures a haunting vision: three angelic figures struggle to hold themselves together as their flesh dissolves in a dark, eerie light. The subdued tones and surreal imagery mirror the bleak intensity of IMMOLATION’s music, with founder Ross Dolan describing it as “darker, more melancholy and hopeless.” Co-founder Robert Vigna echoes this sentiment, noting how the artwork’s unnerving tone perfectly complements the music’s ominous energy.
Each track on Acts of God strikes with ferocity and finesse. “The Age of No Light” kicks off with an immediate, raw force, propelled by a brutal yet infectious melody. Vigna calls it “quick, hard-hitting, and straight to the point.” In contrast, “Blooded” delivers a powerhouse mix of speed and groove, with ripping guitar sections that descend into dark, groovy riffs. “It’s straightforward, packed with everything you’d expect from us,” says Vigna, a concise yet powerful burst of IMMOLATION’s signature sound.
The eerie track “Immoral Stain” unfolds at a slower pace, conjuring an atmosphere as chilling as the beat itself. Its searing guitars and thunderous vocals weave a dark tale, building tension before releasing into a dynamic, echoing beat that leaves a haunting impression. According to Vigna, the unique structure “had to be done exactly as it is,” making the song a captivating and unsettling listen.
IMMOLATION tackles themes of corruption and deception, with lyrics that probe the dark corners of humanity and leave interpretation to the listener. The final track, “Apostle,” was the last piece written, and its dream-like chorus sections gradually crescendo to an explosive close. Dolan describes the track’s layered intensity, with rounds of guitar solos and fierce vocals leading to a powerful end.
Years in the making, Acts of God began as scattered notes and sketches, guided by Vigna’s structured writing process and enriched by collaboration among the band members. Recorded with longtime friend Paul Orofino at Millbrook Studios, the familiar setting allowed IMMOLATION to channel their raw intensity without the sterility that studio sessions can bring. Final mixing and mastering touches from Zack Ohren brought the album’s sound to its full, devastating potential. Partnering with Nuclear Blast Records, IMMOLATION has returned from the shadows with Acts of God, an album that pushes boundaries while capturing the dark spirit that fans know and revere.
