By offering "Atonement" in 2017, the Americans of Immolation had shown that they remained relevant with a powerful and majestic death metal. Five years have passed and we were looking forward to savoring something new from them. Eleventh opus of the band, "Acts Of God" appeals from the start by its splendid cover signed by an Eliran Kantor.
What is striking is the extent of the work with 15 tracks offered. When you know the intensity deployed by Robert Vigna and his men, the idea of taking in such a program is intimidating, but Immolation finely plays the trick by starting with a dark and melancholic intro, very effective to attract the listener in his universe. Then he continues his seduction enterprise with 'An Act Of God' and 'Noose Of Thorns'. In the middle of the death madness, the first one offers a nice calm break before the crushing side takes over the pure speed. The same goes for the second one, the violence mixing with an unhealthy melody with a haunting, dark and intense side.
After this not so wild beginning, Immolation closes its trap on the listener. From 'Shed Of Light' he makes him feel what the hunted animals feel. The curse is total and without mercy, with a rhythm of a rare intensity. Ross screams like hell with an impressive guttural side while the riffs flow at full speed in a perfect fluidity. At the heart of this infernal hurricane, 'Shed The Light', 'Blooded', 'Incineration Procession' and 'Broken Prey' stand out and should destroy everything in concert. For the survivors at the end of the record, Immolation calms the game with the instrumental 'And The Flames Wept' and 'Let The Darkness In', this last one finding a dark and crushing tone.
Brutal, ferocious and endowed with a delightful violence, "Acts Of Gods" is a death metal album of a rare intensity that hardly leaves any time to breathe. Immolation confirms its status of giant of the genre, showing an insolent class and defying time with a majesty that forces respect.