So, it appears that the dudes in Impiety have found grandma’s serious pills. Despite their best efforts at srs war metal, I always approached this infamous Singaporean outfit with lolz. Just how damn hard they seemed to be trying almost evoked a sense of “little brother” syndrome and the songs didn’t always hold up. Nonetheless, the album cover above elicited enough interest for me to throw this bad boy on. I mean I picture Lucifer to be a gun totin’ fallen angel, don’t you? What kind of prince of darkness, gettin jazzed to storm the gates of heaven we assume, would be ready to throw away his 2nd amendment rights and resolve himself to spears and crap? Sense that doth not make. Nor did I ever understand why many war metal bands, trying to make audial warfare as it were, would be so ready to throw lead guitar to the way side. Admittedly, I only went back and listened to Impiety‘s previous release upon getting this one and raised an eyebrow at the 38 minute one song effort. Thankfully, on this one Impiety is back to their usually blasting tremolo savagery but with tighter musicianship.
As is always nice to be able to say, the lads have progressed! It’s none of the simple black metal of the very early days or the Bestial Warlust noise of a couple of the other releases. This time it’s solid, relentless blasting blackened death thrash planted firmly back into the Angelcorpse. “Salve the Goat” and “Revelation Decimation” are solid examples of thatlead guitar happy voraciousness that is this band at their best; good blasts, relentless double bass, scores of decorative lead guitar, and slower chugging riffs for the pumping of fists. “Weaponized” is thankfully not an Oceano cover and instead bears that slightly melodic feel of Satanica-era Behemoth. The album does suffer from their usual combo of unfortunate production and over-triggered drums. Though one or the other wouldn’t have been too noticeable, combined they subdue the power of the guitars. This is a shame since the musicianship is great, dare I say otherworldly in the contest of supposedly being “war metal”. And ultimately for thsoe who miss the glory days of Angelcorpse, Morbid Angel or enjoy war metal of the less knuckle-dragging variety, Ravage & Conquer is sure to hit the spot.
7/10
I don’t know if the guitars are subdued but they stay far more heavier and powerful than in any Marduk or Dark Funeral album for instance. I don’t think it’s because of the trigger or production, it’s just the style!
Totally agree but I just expected something a little less dry and more muscular. Crank up the guitars! \m/