Review Summary: Spawn of Possession’s Incurso shows that Technical Death Metal can still leave the listener in absolute awe.
Spawn of Possession’s sophomore album Noctambulant is regarded by many as one of the better albums of the Technical Death Metal genre, nonetheless the band seemed to be holding back. On the bands third release, Incurso, Spawn of Possession have gone balls-to-the-wall, creating an album that will be regarded as one of the best Technical Death Metal releases of their time.
Most notable of the whole album is the guitar-work. Jonas Bryssling and Christian Müenzner’s riffs flow perfectly in sync, the lead guitars soaring and breathtaking. The technicality and complexities of the riffs are unmatched, yet the guitarists still stray away from being ‘wanky’. Melody and fantastic song structures are utilized to keep the listener interested. The solos are utterly stunning and intricate and the production is crisp, yet still ‘brutal’. Every note rings true, while retaining the feel of old-school Death Metal. Bryssling and Müenzner have coalesced neo-classical, jazz and Death Metal influences into one monster of an album. Meanwhile, the bass work is just as impressive. Erlend Casperen’s bass is always audible and accompanies the guitarists splendidly, while still doing his own thing. Erlend often leaps out of the backdrop and into the spotlight, showing how vital he is to the album.
As can be expected from a Death Metal band, Spawn of Possession’s drummer Henrik Schönström is excellent. Schönström shows he can play lightning blast beats, but also gives the music the chance to breathe as to accentuate the other instruments. Last of all, Dennis Röndum is absolutely demonic on vocals. His vocal patterns are very well-placed and impress the listener with very fast and deep growls. The only flaw with his performance is his limited use of range; he rarely strays from his growling style. However, this does not detract from the album at all.
Spawn of Possession has created a Technical Death Metal masterpiece with their album Incurso and seems to have finally perfected their sound.
Recommended Tracks:
• Where Angels Go Demons Follow,
• The Evangelist,
• Deus Avertat,
• Apparition,
