ALBUM REVIEW: Leaves Of Zaqqum – Demon Incarnate

The Qur’an speaks of the tree of Zaqqum which “springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire”. Bearing fruit resembling devil heads, Zaqqum provides food for the sinful. Keep in mind this fruit tears the human body apart and expels bodily fluids as karmic punishment. Imagery as imposing as this sets the bar high for German five-piece DEMON INCARNATE. Merging 70s rock with doom, the band seek salvation from this fate with fourth album Leaves Of Zaqqum.

Lisa Healey [vocals], Jan Paul [guitars], and Kai Schneider [drums] recorded the album over an 18-month period. Upon completion, DEMON INCARNATE recruited Matz Naumann [bass] and Donny Dwinanda Putra [guitars].

In Disguise’s organ orientated intro causes the listener to double take. A bang of the gong sends the song spiralling into riffs of doom and a groove which leaves them salivating. “The river is running dry” Healey broods in a delivery which feels lacklustre for the genre. In Disguise’s verses fall flat as they lack bottom end. This feeling of disconnect runs rife through the song as audible jumps book end the solo. Schneider’s drums finally push us over the edge, allowing us to indulge in the sleaze a little too late.

Longing For Part One and Part Two act as palate cleansers for an album which has no clear sections. Both interludes read like summer zephyrs prompting reflection for the sinner. Yet, with the damned’s fate already sealed, this introspection seems out of place. Black Veil, a wall of deafening riffs by comparison loses itself in its own quagmire. Healey’s vocals melt into the booming instrumentals rendering Black Veil, among other titles, muddled noise.

DEMON INCARNATE lead us to the ritual site for Lunar Majestic. Bass slithers underneath a slow and steady opening. This serpentine nature grabs the drawn out guitars and pulls them into a churn. Choral harmonies in the transition begin the summoning. DEMON INCARNATE force the listener to see this to the end as “the wheel of fate takes another turn”. Healey’s vocals are mesmerising, but this magic woman has missed her mark. As she becomes a woman possessed by the lunar spirits, we may be wondering if she has consumed a fermented fruit or two.

With a powerful contextual image, Leaves Of Zaqqum demanded a perfect execution. DEMON INCARNATE give it their best shot but set their sights far too high. Is it worthy of punishment by fruit consumption? No. The feeling of disappointment churns in our bellies though.

Rating: 5/10

Leaves Of Zaqqum is set for release on June 18th via Metalville.

Like DEMON INCARNATE on Facebook.