The long-awaited reissue of Iniquitous, the only full-length release from this revered US death metal titan, is finally here! Remastered and featuring three bonus tracks, this release also boasts an enhanced layout that honors the original while improving on its presentation. A must-have for fans of underground heaviness in the vein of GRAVE, INCANTATION, FUNEBRE, CREMATORY, and DEMILICH, this essential masterpiece continues to stand as a pillar of old-school brutality. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering the band for the first time, this release deserves a spot in any serious death metal collection.
Rottrevore’s Iniquitous, released in 1993, stands as a towering example of early 90s American death metal. Emerging alongside iconic acts such as Suffocation, Incantation, and Baphomet, this lone full-length album is a brutal testament to the genre’s unrelenting force. While the band hailed from Pennsylvania, their sound taps into the raw, pummeling heaviness typically associated with the New York scene. From the very first note, the album plunges into a whirlwind of groovy, crushing riffs that drive the music forward, showcasing a commitment to brutality without excess or gimmick.
What sets Iniquitous apart from its contemporaries is its dense, cavernous atmosphere. The bass, often highlighted through breaks that isolate it with the drums, adds an extra layer of slimy, filthy texture, enhancing the album’s oppressive weight. Rottrevore's guitar tone—reminiscent of early Baphomet—maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove throughout, creating an almost suffocating soundscape that doesn’t rely heavily on speed but instead draws power from its lumbering, devastating riffs. The occasional dive-bomb solos add a raw, chaotic edge, fitting the record’s unpolished yet effective aesthetic.
Tracks like "Dismal Fate" and "Jesters of Recession" exemplify the album’s ability to mix slow, grinding passages with bursts of aggressive energy, creating a balance between suffocating doom-laden moments and more frantic, faster sections. The vocals, delivered in deep, guttural growls, are nearly unintelligible yet perfectly suited to the dark, crushing atmosphere that envelops the entire album. Every aspect of Iniquitous feels intentionally raw, as if designed to batter the listener with sheer sonic force.
Though Rottrevore didn’t achieve the widespread recognition of their peers, Iniquitous has garnered a cult following, revered for its unyielding heaviness and its role in shaping the landscape of death metal. It’s a hidden gem for those who crave the filthiest, most underground strain of the genre. While the political and social themes in the lyrics might seem unconventional for death metal purists who prefer horror or gore-focused narratives, they add a unique layer to the band’s ethos, setting them apart from the standard fare.
In short, Iniquitous remains an essential listen for fans of old-school death metal, capturing the intensity and bleakness that defined the genre’s early years. Whether you’re drawn in by the crushing riffs, the bass-heavy breaks, or the suffocating atmosphere, this album is a relentless assault on the senses and a must-have for any true aficionado.
