| Few bands have remained as steadfast in their approach as Pentacle. Since their formation in the late ‘80s, the Dutch death metal veterans have stood as torchbearers of an era when death metal was still taking shape, pulling its raw energy from thrash, proto-black metal, and doom. With Spectre of the Eight Ropes, their first full-length album in over a decade, Pentacle prove once again that time has only sharpened their vision. This is death metal in its purest, most unrelenting form—crafted by musicians who have never wavered in their dedication to the sound that first inspired them.
From the first notes, Spectre of the Eight Ropes surges forward with that unmistakable blend of early extreme metal influences. There are no sterile modernizations here—just the unmistakable spirit of bands like Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, and Slaughter, filtered through the pummeling aggression and grit that define Pentacle’s unique style. The riffing remains savage and precise, seamlessly shifting between galloping thrash tempos, mid-paced stomps, and doom-laden dirges that add an ominous weight to the album’s atmosphere.
While Pentacle’s core sound has always been rooted in the past, the songwriting on this album shows a band that continues to refine their craft. Tracks like “Blessed By Fire” stretch out into longer, more deliberate compositions, allowing each passage to breathe while maintaining the relentless energy that has always been their trademark. The pacing feels more purposeful than ever, with each tempo shift placed for maximum impact. The extended closer further cements the album’s grandeur, balancing fury and restraint in a way that few bands can achieve.
Wannes Gubbels’ commanding vocal presence is once again at the forefront, his raw and rasping delivery cutting through the dense instrumentation with clarity and power. Though his style has often been compared to Martin van Drunen’s, Gubbels has long since established a voice of his own—one that perfectly suits the battle-hardened atmosphere of Pentacle’s music. His performance here is as ferocious as ever, adding an extra dimension of urgency to every track.
Recorded at Toneshed Studio (known for work with Pestilence, Dead Head, and others), the production embraces the warmth and organic feel of classic death metal recordings. The mix is raw but balanced, allowing the riffs to cut through with precision while keeping the rhythm section dense and punishing. There’s an undeniable sense of cohesion in the performances, a testament to a lineup that has remained unchanged for nearly two decades.
Visually, Spectre of the Eight Ropes stays true to Pentacle’s aesthetic, with yet another striking piece of artwork from longtime collaborator Manuel Tinnemans. Just as their sound remains rooted in tradition, so too does their commitment to presenting a complete package—one designed for those who still cherish the tactile experience of holding an album in their hands, be it on vinyl or CD.
For those who have followed Pentacle through the years, this album is a triumphant return—one that rewards patience with an offering as powerful as anything they’ve done before. For newcomers, it serves as an invitation to experience death metal in its most undiluted, primal form. Spectre of the Eight Ropes is not just a new album; it is a statement of unwavering devotion to the craft, and proof that some things only get stronger with time.
|
