When it comes to the David Vincent era of Morbid Angel, the band’s first four releases are highly revered examples of death metal that have influenced countless bands. Now, with David Vincent’s return after fifteen years, expectations were high for Illud Divinum Insanus. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a major disappointment in 2011 and a let-down in the genre’s recent history.
The album lacks the furious riffs from Trey Azagthoth and the intense beats from Pete Sandoval that defined the band’s sound. Instead, Illud Divinum Insanus offers forgettable death metal mixed with questionable industrial metal elements. While Azagthoth’s solos still shine in tracks like “I Am Morbid,” overall, the album lacks the innovation Morbid Angel is known for.
Drummer Tim Yeung delivers a solid performance, but the mixing feels sterile, possibly due to over-triggered bass drums. Songs like “I Am Morbid” showcase some catchiness, but the album lacks consistency. The experimentation with industrial metal, especially in tracks like “Too Extreme!” and “Radikult,” falls flat and confuses listeners.
Illud Divinum Insanus may not be the worst metal album ever, but it stands out as one of the weakest of 2011. After an eight-year hiatus, the album feels either lazy or intentionally provocative. This release may have alienated a significant portion of Morbid Angel’s fan base, despite a few redeeming moments in the album.
While some songs like “I Am Morbid” show glimpses of the band’s past glory, the overall reception of Illud Divinum Insanus has been disappointing. Morbid Angel’s attempt to blend industrial metal with their signature sound did not resonate with fans, making this album a noticeable misstep in the band’s discography.
Despite the misfire of Illud Divinum Insanus, Morbid Angel remains a legendary band in the death metal scene. The album serves as a cautionary tale of the risks of straying too far from a band’s core sound and alienating long-time fans. As the band navigates future releases, it will be interesting to see how they incorporate feedback from this divisive album into their evolving musical direction.
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