Inquisition
Invoking The Majestic Throne Of Satan
[War Hammer]
You know, judging from the wealth of shitty and sub-par black metal and Norsecore out there, it's really fucking easy to just string a few Darkthrone/Mayhem riffs together over a superfast 'snare-kick' beat. Why doesn't anyone ever go that extra step to make the riffs interesting, or to add something else to it to sound unique? If you need a lesson in how to take a well-defined style and make it sound original and inspired, listen to Inquisition.
Right from the first song on the album you know you're in for a hell of a ride. It starts off with one of those fast single-note riffs that outline a demented melody, but the riff is just so well-defined and catchy you can't help but bang to it. But then it shifts to a somber, dissonant arpeggio, then a half-time beat kicks in under a fast, simple guitar hook to ride out the end of the song. You've heard the elements before, but each riff is just worked out for maximum effect, always with a perfectly complementing drum beat that not only enhances the riff but also works with the dynamic flow of the song. Each of the other eight songs on the album works pretty much the same way--very strong melodic hooks with incredible drumming, always working towards a single, clear purpose for the song. Even the low, croaked, almost spoken vocals work with the music. Lead guitar lines also worm their way in at just the right moments, always working for maximum dramatic effect.
Varied but cohesive, the songwriting is top-notch, and with a thick, clear-but-still-raw production, excellent musicianship on the instruments, and a clear vision for the music you have one of the best black metal albums to hail from the US shores. This is a modern masterpiece, kids. BUY OR DIE!
© 2003 lord vic
Right from the first song on the album you know you're in for a hell of a ride. It starts off with one of those fast single-note riffs that outline a demented melody, but the riff is just so well-defined and catchy you can't help but bang to it. But then it shifts to a somber, dissonant arpeggio, then a half-time beat kicks in under a fast, simple guitar hook to ride out the end of the song. You've heard the elements before, but each riff is just worked out for maximum effect, always with a perfectly complementing drum beat that not only enhances the riff but also works with the dynamic flow of the song. Each of the other eight songs on the album works pretty much the same way--very strong melodic hooks with incredible drumming, always working towards a single, clear purpose for the song. Even the low, croaked, almost spoken vocals work with the music. Lead guitar lines also worm their way in at just the right moments, always working for maximum dramatic effect.
Varied but cohesive, the songwriting is top-notch, and with a thick, clear-but-still-raw production, excellent musicianship on the instruments, and a clear vision for the music you have one of the best black metal albums to hail from the US shores. This is a modern masterpiece, kids. BUY OR DIE!
© 2003 lord vic