Nile

South Carolina's Nile are back again two years after the release of Ithyphallic, and although they're still the same old Nile, the band's sound has changed a bit. Led by the legendary Karl Sanders, Nile remain an Egyptian-themed, Middle Eastern-influenced technical death metal band with a sound that's archaic yet brutal. What makes Those Whom the Gods Detest ― the latest release in their highly revered discography ― different are some subtle changes in vocals, including clean singing on opener "Kafir!" and on the title track, as well as slower, doom-esque structures and acoustic guitars on "4th Arra of Dagon." Choosing to work with producer Neil Kernon (Nevermore, Cannibal Corpse) once again has also worked in their favour. As on Ithyphallic, Kernon brings out the best in Nile, giving this sixth studio effort a cleaner sound in comparison to the slightly murky tinge heard on some of their pre-2007 recordings. If you weren't a fan of Nile previously, Those Whom the Gods Detest is sure to make you reconsider.