Blood Incantation has always been a band that stretches the boundaries of death metal, incorporating a variety of elements that make their sound unique. Their latest album, Absolute Elsewhere, continues this trend, while also taking their music to new heights. Following the critically acclaimed Hidden History of the Human Race and the ambient EP Timewave Zero, this album is their most ambitious project yet. It’s a testament to their evolution and creativity, blending progressive rock, ambient, and brutal death metal into a cohesive, mind-bending experience.
The album opens with “The Stargate (Tablet I)”, setting the stage with gurgling, warping effects before Isaac Faulk’s frantic drumming kicks in. Paul Riedl and Morris Kolontyrsky’s guitars add layers of technicality and aggression, while Jeff Barrett’s bass tone anchors the chaotic opening. Riedl’s guttural vocals echo through the mix, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that quickly shifts into a mellow, ambient section. This extended instrumental passage is both ethereal and trippy, featuring synth melodies and a classic 70’s guitar solo. The track oscillates between these serene and aggressive modes, keeping listeners on their toes throughout its duration.
“The Stargate (Tablet II)” transitions seamlessly into a thumping bass beat layered with ambient string pads. The electronic melody slowly rises, reminiscent of an educational video on the cosmos, delivering a contemplative and relaxing feel. As the track progresses, brass synths and acoustic guitar join in, creating a rich, textured soundscape. Pan flutes and reverb-heavy tom hits add to the mystical vibe before Riedl’s piercing screams bring in a darker edge, closing this section with intensity.
“The Stargate (Tablet III)” returns to a more traditional death metal sound, with aggressive riffs and fierce drumming. The song navigates through intricate time signatures and key changes, providing a complex listening experience. Midway through, the track incorporates Middle Eastern-inspired acoustic guitar lines, adding another layer of diversity to the album. The commanding double bass work in the closing section drives the song to a powerful conclusion, accentuated by echoing guitars and studio effects.
The second major composition, “The Message (Tablet I)”, opens with a high-energy guitar and bass combo, setting a brisk pace. The clean guitars’ reverb and chorus effects provide a trippy contrast to the otherwise brutal instrumentation. Riedl’s growls are as cavernous as ever, enhanced by Faulk’s dynamic drumming. The track’s emotional guitar solo and spoken vocals add an anthemic quality, making it one of the standout moments on the album.
On “The Message (Tablet II)”, the band delves deeper into progressive rock territory. A catchy, almost 80s-inspired melody kicks things off, with a bass groove and manic drumming that capture the prog aesthetic. Riedl’s growls and clean vocals alternate, the latter soaked in reverb reminiscent of Pink Floyd‘s Dark Side of the Moon era. The track’s ambient middle section offers a moment of tranquility before building to a dynamic climax.
“The Message (Tablet III)” is an exhilarating closer, with high-energy, thrash-style guitars and pulse-pounding drumming. The intricate time signature changes and key shifts showcase the band’s technical prowess. Midway through, the song transitions into a peaceful segment featuring flutes and harmonic vocals, creating a folk-like storyteller vibe. This is soon disrupted by a darker, doom-laden guitar section, building to a profound, ominous atmosphere. The track’s extended length allows the band to explore various musical landscapes, making it a fitting conclusion to a highly complex album.
Absolute Elsewhere is a masterful blend of genres, showing Blood Incantation at their most progressive and ambitious. The album’s two lengthy compositions allow for an expansive, exploratory approach that’s both captivating and challenging. The use of guest musicians, like Thorsten Quaeschning of Tangerine Dream, adds authenticity to the album’s prog rock influences, while Nicklas Malmqvist’s contributions on synths and Mellotron enhance its atmospheric quality.
Favorite tracks include “The Stargate (Tablet I)”, “The Message (Tablet I)”, and “The Message (Tablet II)”. These tracks highlight the band’s ability to seamlessly blend brutality with intricate melody and atmosphere, creating a truly immersive experience.
Marc’ rating: 9/10
Tracklist:
01 – The Stargate [Tablet I] 8:20
02 – The Stargate [Tablet II] 5:08
03 – The Stargate [Tablet III] 6:51
04 – The Message [Tablet I] 5:56
05 – The Message [Tablet II] 5:58
06 – The Message [Tablet III] 11:27
