The latest release from a modern titan in any genre is always one that is eagerly anticipated. When said titan however is technical death metal beast’s Nile, you know the wait has been more than worth it, as this is a band who are literally incapable of releasing an album that’s anything less than astounding.
Diehard Nile fanatics are not going to be disappointed by the band’s latest offering What Should not be Unearthed, as it’s pretty much standard triumphant Nile from beginning to end. This is a band who have cracked the recipe for creating the perfect mix of brutality and technicality and are rightfully sticking to it. The sheer speed and gusto of this album is insane, with every track bar the fascinating acoustic number Ushabti Reanimator being a relentless tour de force of death metal. Those stereotypical Karl Sanders riffs and Kollias’ ear drum shattering blast beats have made a very welcome return on an album that is nothing short of brilliant.
As well as maintaining a ferocious level of speed throughout, Nile have thrown in quite a few hefty groove segments in What Should not be Unearthed too. Tracks such as Negating the Abominable and title track What Should not be Unearthed are much slower and more intense in places, similar to 2009’s 4th Ara of Dagon and 2005’s Annihilation of the Wicked. The chugging riffs and glorious guttural growls on both Negating and Unearthed will be an instant winner with those who prefer things that little bit more brutal as opposed to perpetual furious speed.
One of the real standout tracks on the album is easily Evil to Cast out Evil. Kicking off proceedings with the rowdiest of riffs, this track is a much sharper and punchier little number, certain to create a monster of a pit whenever it’s played live. Complete with a show stopping solo, this is easily the Jagerbomb of the album in terms of its ability to invigorate the listener.
No member of Nile has played note out of place on this absolute joy of an album. Once again Nile have proven themselves to be the one of the most talented modern death metal bands of our time, blending savage speed with knockout grooves and infectious riffs to create a sound of unrivalled brilliance. Bravo once again Nile, you have seriously upped the game in death metal!
(10/10 Eilsh Foxen)
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