INCANTATION - Vanquish In Vengeance (CASSETTE)

Vanquish in Vengeance marks a triumphant return for Incantation after a six-year hiatus, reasserting their dominance in the death metal genre they helped shape. This album, their most compelling effort since 1998's Diabolical Conquest, showcases a band with something to prove, shedding the murky production of their past for a cleaner, more powerful sound that highlights their exceptional songwriting and musicianship.

The album kicks off with relentless energy, featuring choppy, staccato chords, tremolo riffs, chunky basslines, and off-kilter drumming that creates a grey-hued atmosphere of horror and oppression. This revitalized approach is evident in tracks like "Transcend into Absolute Dissolution" and "Profound Loathing," where each instrument is distinct yet cohesive, thanks to Dan Swano's stellar mixing and mastering. The eleven-minute epic "Legion of Dis" stands out with its high-melodic praise and slow, funeral-like pace, punctuated by squelching feedback that enhances the song's oppressive mood, making it a headphone-listening experience par excellence.

John McEntee's vocal performance is another highlight, finally stepping out of the shadow of past vocalists with a demonic delivery that perfectly complements the band's occult lyrics. His guitar work, alongside Alex Bouks, is equally impressive, with riffs and solos that add a new level of brilliance to the band's sound. Kyle Severn's drumming, while not the flashiest, is heavy and dynamic, keeping the music lively and frenetic.

This album doesn't just revisit the past but reinvents it, maintaining the band's roots while updating their sound. Tracks like "Invoked Infinity" and "Progeny of Tyranny" offer aggressive, crisp production, while "Haruspex" delivers brutal solos and pitch harmonics that speak to the band's technical prowess. The balance of shorter, intense tracks with longer, doom-laden pieces provides a varied and engaging listening experience.

In a genre often plagued by stagnation and imitation, Vanquish in Vengeance is a masterclass in how to stay relevant and innovative. Incantation proves that they can not only keep up with younger bands but surpass them, creating an album that is both a nod to their legacy and a fresh, powerful addition to their discography. This is a modern masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression and sets a high bar for future releases.