Norwegian death metal outfit Execration has unleashed their fourth studio album, “Return to the Void”, via Metal Blade records.
While the album isn’t a significant shift in style, it is more compact than its predecessors, with a running time of around 42 minutes. The band have maintained their motif with the focus being atmosphere rather than brutality, and as with previous releases, they have attempted to capture the semblance of a live performance.
“Return to the Void” displays all the speed and precision one would expect from a Norwegian death metal band, but it is also much more than just that. Execration manages to integrate elements of thrash, death and traditional heavy metal, diffused with the signature prog-like tempo changes and mood swings that define their style and sound.
The album has a cosmic, philosophical, even spiritual vibe that takes the listener on a journey through space and time. This tone is established in the formidable opening track Eternal Recurrence, and the theme is sustained throughout the entire album through the song structures, lyrical content, and also the album artwork.
Other standout tracks are, Hammers of Vulcan, title track
Return to the Void. The that grabbed me though was the colossal Unicursal Horrorscope.
The album grows on you with each listen and offers a more inviting slant on the death metal genre. Even if Norwegian death metal isn’t your bag, I highly recommend checking this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
