Imprecation – Damnatio ad Bestias (Dark Descent Records. 2019).

Imprecation – Damnatio ad Bestias (Dark Descent Records. 2019).

There are many words which can be used to summarise the latest full-length onslaught by the Texan demons of Imprecation, with an apt description being crushing Satanic darkness made manifest. Right from the start you can feel yourself being consumed by Stygian shadows with the crushing introductory riff for the song Temple of the Foul Spirit, which weaves a vile, putrid atmosphere through heavy, mid-paced riffs. There are brief frenzied assaults brimming with demonic energy that help to accentuate the suffocating evil that permeates the rest of the song, all of which helps create a malevolent hymn to the Abyss. There is no halt to the attack as the next song, Morbid Crucifixion, comes blasting in. A rabid onslaught commences, with rapid drumming and demonic riffs coming forth like a mighty torrent and engulfing you before sweeping you deep into the Tartarean depths. Throughout the album there is a good use of synths and samples on the album in small doses, which adds perfectly to the morbid atmosphere. This is exemplified by the outro to the song Baptized in Satan’s Blood that makes the flow into Beasts of the Infernal Void even smoother whilst adding to the sense of dread and imminent doom that permeates the opening riffs. One killer use of synths is again to be found in Baptized in Satan’s Blood, coming after the brilliant solo and which helps make the riffs sound completely demonic. As the song closes, the subtle use of keyboards again adds perfectly to the feeling of desolation without being overbearing. As can be expected from these old-school maniacs, this is an album full of killer riffs and well-structured and written songs that will have you banging your head with a rictus grin fixed upon your face as the devilish melodies tear into your mind and soul. It is a well-produced album. The guitar sound is perfect, being heavy, raw, and evil and it is perfectly balanced in the mix, with no instrument being too dominant, though the bass could perhaps be a bit louder. Nevertheless, Imprecation have once again proven themselves as masters of Death Metal with this crushing album. 8.5/10.