Rising to prominence as an internationally renowned act over the past decade, Black/thrash titans Irdorath are a monstrous force to be reckoned with. Formed in 2005, the band have been at the forefront of the Austrian underground scene with 3 well received albums and high profile gigs and festival performances all around mainland Europe.
Released on the renowned Italian metal label, Worm Hole Death in September 2017, 'Denial of Creation' is the bands fourth full length release.
Opting to avoid the stereotypical orchestral/prolonged instrumental intro, 'Denial of Creation' opens with an uncompromising burst as a powerful drum passage, reminiscent of the iconic intro to 'Ye Entrancemperium', sets the stage for a barrage of blastbeats, ferocious screams and relentless guitar work. Taking obvious influence from death metal, thrash and black metal, the tracks utilise several stylistic techniques that meld tightly to create a cleverly orchestrated mixture of all three. From the syncopated rhythms and energy of German thrash pioneers (such as Kreator and Destruction) to the dissonant blackened chord progressions and even hints of Cruelty and the Beast-era Cradle of Filth and recent Rotting Christ in parts, the album takes several artistic choices that pay off in a very strong way. For example, several clean passages are used to great effect (particularly in the title track and the final track 'Die Rache des Baumes') incorporating well with the distorted guitars.
Perhaps considered a faux pas within the black metal genre, Irdorath employ a very clean, modern production that may turn away fans of the more typical raw primitive style but may attract others.
One definite advantage of the clear production is the clarity of the outstanding musicianship on display. From the soaring vocals to the amazingly crafted drum patterns and the uncharacteristically prominent bass, the band have a noticeable chemistry that is technically proficient without showcasing any particular member above any other. Solos are few and far between but maintain a tasteful elegance so as not to ruin the creative ambience of the composition. While the reverb soaked leads sit at the top of the mix when appropriate, the rhythm guitars maintain the urgency of the composition, highlighting the emphasis on aggression and atmosphere. Utilising his diverse range, the vocalist switches between lows and highs at will, preaching the atypical lyrical blasphemies that are expected in black metal. Neither guttural nor ear piercing, the vocals have an almost death metal quality to them in an almost Death/Morbid Angel kind of sense.
The most unfortunate complaint about the album is there seems to be lack of variety between songs. Each track seems to follow a distinct trend that, bar a few unique sections (like the acoustic intro of 'The Curse That Haunts the Earth' and the title track, 'Denial of Creation'), seems to continue throughout the album. This doesn't necessary mean that any of the songs are bad but it can be very noticeable after 20 minutes of the album. Perhaps a minor complaint when considering the quality of the material on offer but it's definitely something that could hinder the overall experience.
In a vast sea of Behemoth and Darkthrone clones, it's refreshing to hear something that develops beyond the lofi roots of the black metal scene, edging closer to the classic Teutonic thrash influences with plenty of melodic overtones cutting through the extremity. The Kreator-esque aggression throughout the 'verses' dynamically accentuates the extended mid paced sections with stabs, blasts and intelligently layered harmonies at intense speeds. Without doubt, Irdorath are top musicians with a good ear for atmosphere and a tight performance style that is worthy of wider recognition.
8/10 - review by Matt
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