Limited pro-tape re-release of 100 copies of their 1996 album. Unfortunately, the entity holding the publishing rights has no interest in licensing it, which is why this release is unofficial. Includes performances by the current guitarist of Undergang.
Few albums in the mid-'90s death metal landscape matched the sheer force and intricacy of Serenadium, the debut full-length from Denmark’s Iniquity. Released in 1996, a time when the genre faced stagnation, this record proved that innovation and brutality could still walk hand in hand. Channeling the suffocating weight of American pioneers like Suffocation while weaving in the eerie, calculated precision of Scandinavian death metal, Serenadium is a masterclass in refined aggression.
From the haunting opening of "Tranquil Seizure," Iniquity sets a deceptive tone, teasing a slow descent into gloom before detonating into a barrage of pummeling riffs and complex rhythmic shifts. The guitar work is nothing short of exceptional—seamlessly blending technicality, groove, and atmospheric flourishes. Tremolo-picked riffs slice through with surgical precision, while chugging rhythms and dynamic tempo changes give the songs an unpredictable, menacing edge. Lars Friis’ solos stand out as particularly well-crafted, adding a melodic yet sinister contrast to the relentless brutality.
What sets Serenadium apart is its ability to balance sheer heaviness with an eerie, almost cinematic atmosphere. Sparse but effective use of keyboards and orchestral elements, as heard in “Prophecy of the Dying Watcher” and “Retorn,” injects an ominous presence, elevating the album beyond a mere display of technical prowess. The inclusion of cello passages, subtle yet chilling, reinforces the album’s dark, otherworldly aura.
Vocally, Brian Petrowsky delivers deep, commanding growls that enhance the album’s oppressive tone. His presence is both monstrous and controlled, avoiding the overly guttural excesses that can sometimes dilute clarity in extreme metal. Beneath it all, Jacob Olsen’s drumming is deceptively restrained—eschewing constant blast beats in favor of a more dynamic and thrash-infused approach that allows the riffs to breathe while still maintaining relentless intensity.
Serenadium remains a hidden gem in ‘90s death metal, a record that should have commanded far more recognition upon release. Combining crushing brutality with an eerie, almost cinematic depth, Iniquity created something that was both punishing and forward-thinking. For those who crave death metal that is as intricate as it is devastating, this album is an essential listen.
