Review Summary: Almost a return to their absolute best, 'Impressions In Blood' finds Vader trimming some of the bloat from the previous two releases, whilst adding a couple of fresh dynamics sparingly.
If revisiting the Vader discography has taught me anything, it is a greater appreciation for the phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Whilst the majority of their albums can only really be categorized as "good," a notable decline in quality can be seen when the band attempts any experimentation, and so 2006's 'Impressions In Blood' is especially pleasing due to being a departure from the limited adjustments to their musical arsenal in the previous two albums. This is pure, unadulterated old-school death metal, rife with blast beats and tremolo picked riffs that could have been ripped straight from 'Reign In Blood.'
Anyone familiar with my previous Vader reviews will be aware of the usual flaws identified in their formula, and to save time they all apply here. The band's repetition of the same musical tropes repeatedly is on display once again, their senseless soloing is as unrestrained as ever, and the album has its filler moments. As a result, the album drones on for perhaps five or ten minutes longer than feels necessary or respectable, giving the impression of bloat. "Predator" is the worst offender, feeling like something torn straight from the chuggiest padding on "The Beast". The slow riffing is poorly thought out, with songwriting here clearly taking a back seat to an attempt to at least have something different from the usual status quo here. That being said, it does buck the trend of the Slayer-influenced solos, with a surprisingly tasteful lick.
On the whole, however, this is an album that is enjoyable, and fully worth the price of a purchase. "As Heavens Collide" has some awesome and varied riffing, with one particular standout section in the second half of the song. Piotr's vocals sound captivating, and the Morbid Angel-influenced blend of blast beats and tremolo riffing is as surgical as ever. "Amongst The Ruins" has a really foreboding intro, with some outstanding drumming leading into one of the best palm-muted riffs in the band's discography. Another aspect worthy of a mention is the use of strings and symphonic moments on tracks such as the introduction and the closing "The Book." This is utilized sparingly, and adds another layer to the sound.
'Impressions In Blood' finds a band really returning in style, with a couple of new bells and whistles added to a surprisingly polished package. If "Predator" were cut, and maybe a few nips and tucks made editing down a couple of other songs, this could be a really celebrated record from these titans of European death metal. Not discounting the possibility of a "remake album," as has been seen a few times from other artists these last few years, this album is a really great record as it stands that could be even better with only minor tweaks.
