Immolation

New York death metal veterans Immolation have returned with the exceptionally dark and assaulting Majesty and Decay. Their eighth studio album, and first release on Nuclear Blast, this record is definitely not for the faint of heart, as it belligerently kicks into high gear with the hammering intensity of "The Purge." As innovators of American death metal, specifically the New York underground scene, along with Suffocation, the band have come a long way since their 1991 debut, Dawn of Possession. But Majesty and Decay is classic Immolation, molesting eardrums with vocalist Ross Dolan's shredding expelling of anti-religious, politically-charged lyrics, as well as dissonant dual guitar work, complex rhythms and drum patterns that culminate in some of death metal's most progressive song structures. Crispy, clear production, thanks to long-time producer Paul Orofino, also provides for a great release. However, the guitar solos are the most noteworthy element, as each epic solo builds up to a crescendo, infusing tons of melody into the aggression.