INQUISITION

There are certain cycles in the rise and fall of bands that form a discernible pattern. One of the stations in this process is the break-though, when a group rises from the murky underground into the sphere of heightened mainstream attention. In the case of WATAIN for example, this transition can be pinpointed to a specific album, 'Lawless Darkness' (2010).

It may seem a rather daring to attribute such a moment to INQUISITION's forthcoming seventh full-length 'Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith' in advance. Yet even with the first spin of this record, any doubt and thought of hyperbole should disappear. The American black metal duo has obviously reached a level of confidence, maturity, and mastery of song writing, technical execution as well as strength of production that this masterpiece will mark a milestone in a career that has already gathered momentum.

While INQUISITION have so far grown without full attention paid by the metal mainstream, they have nevertheless amassed a huge underground following. Such a pivotal shift always comes with a risk. The most loyal adherents might be antagonised if a band strays too far from course in their attempt to reach for the stars. There is no danger for this to happen with 'Bloodshed…'. Notable changes from the highly praised 'Obscure Verses For The Multiverse' (2013) are rather gradual than revolutionary, but still prove decisive. Dagon has slightly lowered his vocal pitch, which sounds less amphibian and the fiercer sound of his voice leaves a stronger impact. INQUISITION's song writing has been tightened and appears more focused without losing the trademark epic majesty. Each track hits its mark, there are no fillers. This album represents the culmination and peak of a long term gradual evolution.

INQUISITION hail from the US city of Seattle, Washington although originally formed by Dagon in the South American state of Colombia in 1989. Three demos were released during this early thrash metal period, before the frontman moved back to the United States in 1996. There Dagon was joined by drummer Incubus in 1997. Their debut full-length 'Into The Infernal Regions Of The Ancient Cult' (1998) immediately created a buzz in the netherworld of the black metal genre. Their impact on the scene deepened with each of the following four albums and the duo's much sought after back catalogue has meanwhile been reissued by Season of Mist in its entirety.

With 'Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith', INQUISITION are about to conquer the world. Resistance is futile.