 | Tracklist:
1. What They Bring
2. Illumination
3. Still Lost
4. Providence
5. Swallow The Fear
| Ranking: #119 for 2011 | |
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On 33 Lists
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| Summary: An EP that proves Immolation are still, after 20 years, at the top of their game |
Don’t tell Rob Vigna and Ross Dolan that 2011 marks 20 years since Immolation’s debut album Dawn of Possession, because they may not fully realize it yet. One listen to Providence and it is apparent that Immolation are as strong as ever, both in terms of songwriting power and sheer influence – the seat atop the throne of the New York death metal scene has been dominated by them for the past two decades. It’s not hard to see why, either: thunderous riffing, bellowing vocals, devastating atmosphere all clashing together with the sort of force usually reserved for plate tectonics. Last year’s LP Majesty and Decay proved that they still have a penchant for their craft, and this has not waned since then. Providence is a spiritual continuation of what was displayed on Majesty and Decay, and given the quality of that record it is not surprising to find that Providence is no slacker in delivering the goods.
Vigna and fellow guitarist Bill Taylor put on a clinic in death metal guitar, and still stand as two of the only people in metal who seem to understand how to use pinch harmonics effectively in a riff. They work them in naturally throughout the album's riffs, accenting both the more meandering numbers and visceral licks instead of throwing them in as ear candy. The constant, screeching wails of the pinch harmonics provide a contrast to the chords that wade underneath alongside the plucking of the bass, and atop this foundation lies the sepulchral vocals and the bombastic drumming that is effectively placed high in the mix to showcase the wonderful talent of Steve Shalaty behind the kit, who doesn’t seem to take a break through the entire EP. The double bass is constant behind the guitar solo of “Swallow the Fear”, and the fills ooze complexity throughout “Still Lost”. There is nothing disjointed or broken about the songwriting, and each of the five tracks carry the same aura but divide themselves clearly, from the visceral opener “What They Bring” to the lumbering conclusion “Swallow the Fear”.
It is easy to say that Providence doesn’t bring anything new to the table, but those who are familiar with Immolation will realize that such a criticism is irrefutably shallow. Immolation aren’t here to wow the crowd with something new, and that is the beauty of it – they are here to kick you in the balls with classic, no-frills New York death metal, and on Providence they do just that. It’s only an EP, but it is indicative of the momentum Immolation still have going for them. As soon as the first twisting riff hits your ears and you get a taste of the deep growls, you won’t know what the word “change” even means.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 4
First staff review oh man feel free to neg all you want.
EP can be downloaded for free here:
http://scionav.com/collection/808/Scion-A/V-Presents:-Immolation---Providence
Digging: Mount Eerie - Clear Moon | | | Album Rating: 3.5
neg..?
Digging: The 11th Hour - Lacrima Mortis | | |
Oh man what a terrible review.
Happy first staff review man : )
Digging: mewithoutYou - Ten Stories Digging: mewithoutYou - Ten Stories
| | | Album Rating: 4
neg..?
That's the joke hur hur hur ;)
Thanks Sowing (or should I say Steve), glad you hated the review.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Good stuff. Couldn't find the neg button, but I'll get you next time, fucker.
Digging: Bon Appetite - For Emeril, Forever Ago Digging: Bon Appetite - For Emeril, Forever Ago | | | Album Rating: 3.5
As long as your happy, my job here is done.
| | | Album Rating: 4
Just wait until your first contrib review Angel
oh the negs will be ceaseless
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Maybe I'll make it another Corrupted album.
| | | Album Rating: 4
be sure it's melodramatic
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
You won't even know what the fuck I'm talking about, but damn will it sound pretty (gay).
| | | Album Rating: 4
Awesome review, gotta hear this.
Digging: Dead Sara - Dead Sara Digging: Dead Sara - Dead Sara | | | Album Rating: 3
Sweet i actually get to read staffer reviews now, albums good, nothing special though.
neg'd hur hur
Digging: Autechre - Amber | | | Album Rating: 4
You won't even know what the fuck I'm talking about, but damn will it sound pretty (gay).
write a concept review plz
hyperion i am dissapoint
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dude staff awesome
Digging: Gary Glitter - kiddy diddler Digging: Gary Glitter - kiddy diddler
| | | Album Rating: 4
m/
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Awesome EP, my only gripe is that some of the riffs sound a bit recycled. Nice first review!
Digging: The Walkmen - Heaven | | | Album Rating: 3
Congrats on the promotion.
Like you said "Providence doesn’t bring anything new to the table"
That's also my opinion
Good review
m/
Digging: Meshuggah - obZen Digging: Meshuggah - obZen | | | Album Rating: 4
EP slays hard.
Digging: Opeth - Orchid Digging: Opeth - Orchid | | | Album Rating: 3
hyperion i am dissapoint
It's not bad theres just nothing outstanding about it, plus the production annoys me a small bit.
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this is nowhere near a 4
Digging: Florence & The Machine - Split
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