ALBUM REVIEW: Temple Nightside – Cenotaph Severance

Australian blackened death metal necromancers Temple Nightside return from the catacombs with their fifth album. Set for release via Iron Bonehead Productions on the 30th of October.

Charnel riffs seep into life like a gaseous form of decay atop rolling tom fills which bludgeon through the menacing strings. Mean vocals snarl with corrosive malign as the serpentine instrumental onslaught combines black and death metal of the most lethal veins into a severe and impenetrable sound. Managing to dance the razor’s edge between that immediate and visceral style of extremity with something atmospheric and expansive. The result is a lumbering, ginormous monolith of morbidity. Along with the supreme riffing, Temple Nightside have some blistering leads with the sharpest of tones to cut through and lacerate while keeping the ancient spirit of death gloriously intact. The addition of guitarist Ignis Fatuus (Portal, Impetuous Ritual, Grave Upheaval etc) certainly is a valuable one to an already strong lineup of seasoned and skilled maniacs. Each section cascades naturally from the last with the most magnificent drum work showcasing enormous dexterity while complementing the riffs, which this band has always excelled at writing. It doesn’t take long to feel the weight of this record which can only grow from here.

Hearing IV return with such an array of tracks this strong and the subterranean perfection that is this mix, I can only celebrate a return in such triumph. While always present, I feel like the black metal side of things is a bit more present on this album, though their death metal mysticism is absolutely not neglected. Those tarry, drudging tremolo-picked sections still open chasms of abyssal horrors with just as much effect. Only this time distilled with the most wicked, cruel blackened flame burning through. Such a concoction can only be poisonous and if you drink from the liquor of soul defilement, you will surely become possessed. I am impressed by the massive dynamics, which manage to add some very interesting and unique textures to a constrictive style of music. Glistening strings sometimes contrast with an impermeable darkness only for all to invert in the most perverse constellation and form anew. Progressing from gloomy and funereal moments of atmosphere to blasting annihilation and all in between with such effortless and expert execution is something I never tire of hearing this band excel at. Indeed, this album is proving itself to be something fantastic.

Each monstrous riff forms in a contorted manner from the last with some fascinating drum work always complementing every movement. The discordant but purposeful solos are used just the right amount and each vocal line sits upon the bloody mound of instruments without over-saturating the mix, having plenty of moments where the hypnotic riffs are allowed to bind you uninterrupted. The dominating sound is balanced to give you the ultimate in intensity without pushing things into a murky mess. This weighty approach keeps things sharp and avoids that bloated, sluggish feeling that can ruin a good death metal record. In the more warped moments you can really feel this come through in a way that simply grabs the jugular. Managing to overwhelm in power and yet use subtlety, I think the balance that Temple Nightside have found here is a perfect display of their excellence as musicians and songwriters and they definitely play to these strengths as expertly as ever. This is not an easy listen but it is a profoundly pleasurable and palatable one if you seek time soaking up darkness and dissolution.

A mighty force of unwavering might in the black / death metal vein. Temple Nightside continue to prove themselves consistent and yet moving ever forwards without looking back. “The Hecatomb” and “Pillars of Damnation” are two of my favourite modern death metal records but “Cenotaph Severance” continues this legacy of extremely intense and high-quality savagery magnificently. Whether a seasoned fan of the band or hearing them for the first time, this record will leave an impression of eldritch horror in your mind that you will find difficult to shake. Fans of the more atmospheric and yet barbaric veins of black and death metal will certainly adore these sepulchral hymns. Revel in the seething dissolve and listen to this juggernaut of total dread and disquiet.