American death metal band Incantation released their latest album, Sect of Vile Divinities, in August, garnering critical acclaim. The band’s 12th studio LP made it to No. 11 on Decibel’s Top 40 Albums of 2020 list. To celebrate this success, guitarist/vocalist John McEntee and bassist Chuck Sherwood sat down to provide an exclusive track-by-track breakdown of this exceptional death metal offering.
The album kicks off with “Ritual Impurity (Seven of the Sky Is One),” a track inspired by an Akkadian incantation against the demon Lamashtu. The band’s unique musical style shines through, with aggressive riffs and intricate arrangements that set the tone for the entire album. The song evolved over time, reflecting the band’s dedication to perfecting their craft.
Next up is “Propitiation,” delving into the ancient sun-worshipping practices of the Canaanites and Carthaginians. The band’s attention to detail is evident as they layer harmonies and build up the intensity with each riff. Despite initial challenges with the intro riff, the final version captures the essence of the song perfectly.
“Entrails of the Hag Queen” draws inspiration from a 10th-century Balinese tale, adding a touch of Hindu mythology. This track showcases a unique evolution from its original form, with subtle adjustments enhancing its dark and foreboding atmosphere. The band’s collaborative efforts bring out the song’s full potential.
“Guardians from the Primeval” takes cues from Hindu mythology, exploring the concept of demons guarding primeval waters. The band’s cohesive performance and Dan Swanö’s contribution elevate the track, creating a dynamic and menacing musical journey.
“Black Fathom’s Fire” pays homage to H.P. Lovecraft, weaving a tale of cosmic horror and madness. The band’s meticulous approach to layering harmonies and crafting intricate guitar solos adds depth to the song, capturing the essence of Lovecraftian lore.
The Celtic folklore-inspired “Ignis Fatuus” delves into ghostly legends and supernatural phenomena. The band’s collaboration shines through, with each member adding their own touch to create a haunting and atmospheric track.
“Chant of Formless Dread” delves into the realm of chaos summoning, showcasing the band’s versatility with a dual vocal pattern. The song, initially conceived during previous recording sessions, finally finds its place on Sect of Vile Divinities, offering a unique listening experience.
“Shadow-Blade Masters of Tempest and Maelstrom” draws from Japanese and Taoist mythology, exploring tales of violent deities and supernatural entities. The band’s intricate guitar work and dynamic beats create a whirlwind of sound, capturing the essence of ancient myths.
“Scribes of the Stygian” delves into themes of existential dread and cosmic introspection. The band’s collaborative efforts bring this dream-inspired track to life, offering a haunting and immersive listening experience.
“Unborn Ambrosia” explores trans-dimensional entities and the desire for existence. The band’s meticulous approach to arrangement and layering results in a complex and engaging track that showcases each member’s talent.
“Fury’s Manifesto” delves into themes of blasphemy and anti-religious sentiment, setting a tone of aggression and defiance. The band’s raw energy and classic death metal influences shine through, creating a powerful and uncompromising track.
The album closes with “Siege Hive,” a dream-inspired track that delves into demonic creations and apocalyptic visions. The band’s cohesive performance and chaotic finale leave listeners with a sense of impending doom and destruction, rounding off the album on a powerful note.
Overall, Sect of Vile Divinities is a testament to Incantation’s enduring legacy in the death metal scene. Their attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and dedication to their craft shine through in each track, offering fans a dark and immersive musical journey that solidifies their place in the pantheon of death metal legends.