INCANTATION has been one of my favorite bands for many years, and I've hardly ever been disappointed with them. I admit I was a bit let-down with this CD (not as much as I was with the "Forsaken Mourning..." mCD!), however it's still a good release. There seems to be more black metal influences than ever, and there's more tempo-changes than their previous work. The production is more clear than before (I wish they'd go back to the sound of "Onward To Golgotha"), but not to the point of overkill. Once again a new line-up is presented (would it be INCANTATION if there weren't any member changes?). New vocalist Mike Saez (DEATHRUNE) isn't as good as the previous vocalists but he's still effective. Session drums are done by Dave Culross (MALEVOLENT CREATION/SUFFOCATION), and new bassist Rob Yench (MORPHEUS DESCENDS/BRIMSTONE) handles most of the lyrics. Fave songs include "Nocturnal Kingdom Of Demonic Enlightenment", "Sempiternal Pandemonium", and "Lustful Demise".

© 2000 bathym