EVIL INCARNATE - Lucifers Crown (12" Gatefold DOUBLE LP on Black Vinyl)

Evil Incarnate delivers a classic punch of old-school death metal, with Mike Eisenhauer leading the charge as the band’s central force. His unwavering vision is clear as ever, blending gritty mid-tempo grooves with bursts of relentless aggression, calling to mind the eerie intensity of Acheron and Funeral Nation alongside the relentless drive of early Deicide and Morbid Angel. Eisenhauer’s rough-edged vocals add a visceral layer to each track, fitting seamlessly with the heavy, double-kick-laden beats and sturdy riffs that anchor the music.

This album builds on the band's core sound while adding a hint of atmospheric depth through carefully placed keyboards and intros that create an eerie ambiance. The track “Not My Christ” uses keyboards sparingly, enhancing the midtempo foundation with a subtle yet dark layer, while other intros bring an almost cinematic feel to the fore, though some effects don’t fully deliver their intended impact. The riffs are powerful and hook-laden, showing off a nostalgic yet fresh take on death/thrash stylings that keeps the music grounded in a familiar, satisfying groove.

However, the songs occasionally stretch into longer territory, with some running over seven minutes, which might test patience. Tracks like “Lucifer’s Crown” could benefit from a tighter edit, but they still maintain the band’s trademark punch. Blistering guitar solos bring a fierce edge, though the extended lengths might have benefitted from some pruning to keep the momentum strong throughout.

One unique aspect here is the production, helmed by a band member, which has a distinctly DIY vibe. The drums, while thunderous, sometimes sound overly triggered, and the guitars carry a dense, compressed feel. There’s a certain charm to the gritty, almost submerged sound, although it might take a few listens to fully appreciate its rawness. Still, the heaviness shines through, and fans of the band’s earlier work will find much to enjoy in the grimy layers that give this release a uniquely underground quality.

Overall, while this album might not top their past efforts, it’s still a solid addition to Evil Incarnate’s catalog. With a few tweaks, it could have hit even harder, but Eisenhauer and his team showcase their unwavering dedication to traditional death metal, delivering a gritty, groove-laden sound that fans will appreciate. This release captures the spirit of classic death metal and leaves the door open for even more intense offerings in the future.