Ancient horrors are revived on this newest summoning from CHAOS INCEPTION, and though it is the first release from these US death maniacs since 2012’s The Abrogation, they are undoubtedly set to dominate with the mighty forces amassed on Vengeance Evangel. Consistent with an assault from some otherworldly weaponry, “Artillery of Humwawa” wastes no time orchestrating havoc in a barrage of frenzied and tortuous structures, and the spirit from glory eras of acts like MORBID ANGEL is recognized in the sound of their bludgeoning chord and murky tremolo formulas. Another aspect of the riffing complexity is found in how they mutate across progressions, and the drums parallel those shifts with intricate maneuvers that stir the madness around blast beat sections.
The drumming and riffs almost need examined separately over multiple listens in order to fully comprehend their substance, but then there are also points of synchronicity between them which produce some notable rhythmic effects, like in the beats striking alongside low-end fretted patterns on “Falsificator.” A frantic sense is induced by the thrashy hammer-pulls of other riffs, and “La Niebla en el Cementerio Etrusco” follows with a sinister aura brought about when the chaos is brought to a slowed stomp. These different paces reflect a balanced order in the compositions, along with an adeptness at wielding volatile energies that extends to the abundance of leadwork raised throughout. Its impact is heightened interestingly by a 60’s and 70’s jazz guitar influence among the execution of many solos, and each is carried out meticulously while amping up the arrangements with their lawless vitality. Some are woven directly into the surrounding riff fabric, adding yet another element to the work’s cauldron of concentrated insanity, and others, including one played over the last minute and twenty seconds of “Falsificator,” exhibit stamina by charging relentlessly over the sonic space.
Outside the soloing are legions of other technical displays, and instead of just boasting instrumental proficiency, they are also effectively channeled into crafting evocative melodic points. The title track captures this effect in a blur of serpentine fret designs, which peak in notes that quickly descend back to deep labyrinthian levels, and similar exercises on “Reckoning of the Blade” are matched by its riff striking potently with tremolo accents. Sweeping techniques bring a strong initial attack to “Empire of Prevarication,” where the brutality of one particular riffing section is doubled with vocals raging gutturally alongside it, and this shows how the predominant growl, though fitting to the overall raw energy of the music, also varies with dynamics to reflect the tone of different arrangements throughout. Certain frantic moments are heightened by the emergence of raspy layers, and higher fluctuations align with the dissonant string torments on “Tusk of the Black Sow,” a closing track that also features a brief dose of ambience.
The compositions themselves possess some atmospheric qualities, including ritualistic undertones on “La Niebla en el Cementerio Etrusco” and the malignant developments of “Thymos Beast,” but that aura on “Tusk of the Black Sow” provides a definitive glimpse into scenes fitting the ancient barbarity and dark occultism which are manifested lyrically. The dense and intricate nature of Vengeance Evangel makes for an experience that continues to engage with much to uncover even after many spins, and it contains just about everything required for a ripping death metal mass, especially for one like myself whose interest in death metal has lately been centered mostly on its classic bands. It stands as a formidable offering for this year and should seize a higher renown that is well-deserved for CHAOS INCEPTION.
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