ALBUM REVIEW: Netherheaven – Revocation
REVOCATION have been tearing their own ingenious path through the rich tapestry of the metal world for almost two decades, continually blowing everyone away with their fearless creativity and distinct lack of boundaries. Their exceptional new album Netherheaven is hot off the press via Metal Blade Records and further cements their illustrious legacy.
Diabolical Majesty dives headfirst into a pile of ferocity with frantic blast beats and incendiary riffing grabbing you by the scruff of the neck. Commanding vocal work also makes its impactful presence felt. The mesmeric technicality will have your head in a spin but unable to avert your gaze. Lessons in Occult Theft continues the assault with a jarring array of savage hooks and blistering intensity. The momentum is already running at a freakishly high velocity and this is only track number two. Nihilistic Violence gallops maniacally, threatening to trample you if you get too close. The shredding is devilishly addictive and will get your adrenaline pumping, especially when it kicks the tempo up a few gears.
Strange and Eternal keeps the torrent of notes flowing in powerful fashion before unleashing flourishes of swift melody which would make the late great Chuck Schuldiner grin from ear to ear. The stylistic shifts are a joy to watch unfold as the track keeps you guessing at every turn. Galleries of Morbid Artistry provides additional portions of perplexing pacing, traversing through various chaotic transformations. The clean section towards the latter stages flows with effortless grace, teeing up another round of masterful lead work. The 9th Chasm delves deeper into the fiery depths with maddening bursts of rampant complexity. The drum sequences are a particular highlight.
Godforsaken sustains the dark, devastating demeanour with crushing heaviness. When the light finally finds a way to break through the aggression it culminates in a euphoric burst of vibrancy. The slow menacing stride of The Intervening Abyss of Untold Aeons feels remarkably unsettling, that is before it enters lightspeed with riffs so sharp they’ll peel the skin from your bones. Re-Crucified is an emotional affair as it features what could possibly be one of the final contributions to the world of music by the phenomenal Trevor Strnad. He always had a knack for elevating anything he touched with his frightening vocal range and ability to bring an exciting, enthralling level of enthusiasm. Throw in one of the greatest vocalists of all time in George ‘Corpsegrinder’ Fisher and you’ve got one hell of a combination on your hands.
Dave Davidson is a criminally underrated expert of instrumentation and every passing release from REVOCATION still manages to amaze and astound. Netherheaven is flawless in execution and doesn’t even come close to becoming remotely predictable. The Outer Ones ventured deeper into the realms of death metal but this release has undoubtedly perfected their approach.
Rating: 10/10
Netherheaven is out now via Metal Blade Records.
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