The Left Hand Path is known for calling to those who pursue individual paths of illumination and freedom, and these concepts are at the core of US blackened cult LENAX’s first full-length conjuring titled Infection. It follows the course forged on their debut EP, 2023’s Purity, with dark ceremonial acts being recognizable in ominous tones gathered once the initial bell resounds, and this opening rite quickly demonstrates multiple techniques as points of blasting intensity are exchanged with breaks to slowed and sinister grooving power. This quality is distinguished across many of the compositional structures, with probably the most striking exercise carried out on “Crossroad Black,” and its magnitude is emphasized by a guttural vocal drop alongside the arpeggiated descent and harmonized riffing depths. This hymn also begins with acoustic lines and features some ambient traces that feed the occult mystique lurking throughout, which marks another dynamic appearing subtly to heighten the otherworldly dimensions.
A vehement array is encountered in the formulas, including a malign dissonance emanating around the grooved riff swing of “Hive Mind Apocalypse,” and similar auras take arpeggiated form during “We Are Legion,” a track wielding distinct rhythmic variations that also highlight black n roll aspects in the arrangements. Its enchantment is sealed by an extensive tremolo lead and solo, which demonstrates how tremolo melodies and other fretted details are woven among the riffs to imbue their dark passages with further layers of madness, and that allure is matched by a vocal persona likened to a vile warlock vibrating curses throughout those realms. Their delivery makes some lyrical verses easily discernable, like the references to black magic, sacrifice, and soul destruction caught on “Plague Bringer,” and this reinforces the overall substance and immersive nature of the working.
Leadwork and rhythms conspire notably during the instrumental meditation of “Overdrive,” where a stomping beat emphasizes the grandiose energy raised by soloing, and this must be where gnosis is achieved before a last arcane offering proceeds on “Throne of the Forsaken.” Intricate drum patterns add another layer to certain riff sections on these tracks, and here they enhance a swinging melody until completion is reached through a final merging with the abyss. The title of this opus is suited to the infectious rhythms and grooves entrancing throughout, and their impact combined with the shadowy songcraft elements and expressive vocals makes for an engaging venture into blackened sonic domains. LENAX is clearly devoted to expanding such hostile planes, and it will be interesting to see how their story progresses in the next becoming chapter.
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