Chile’s underground has some truly formidable Black / Death Metal and one such outfit is Invocation. Following some superb EP’s, the time for their debut album is here. Set for release via Iron Bonehead Productions on September 20th.
Warped demonic riffing and vocals are instantly ensnared in an onslaught of blast-beats, reviving the archaic Death Metal days of old with a relentless opening to the record. Their atmospheric and yet hostile approach to songwriting that I recall from a 7″ I got in a trade with Iron Bonehead a few years ago is definitely present, but with an even more direct and instantly vicious attack to the new material. Those charnel passages that explore a more eerie approach, almost blackened in feeling, are still there with all of the contorting visions of an eldritch horror tale unfurling before you. This is real Death Metal, profane and vengeful in spirit with a merciless execution and savage production to boot. Equally glorious is the stunning cover art, which perfectly captures the feeling of the album in a visual format. Although from afar, there is a resemblance to a band much closer to home for me; London’s Grave Miasma. Both bands utilise this sepulchral, visceral and eerie concoction of ideas in a somewhat similar fashion. Not to say it feels like a copy, just that perhaps similar influences and goals are at play.
These Chilean maniacs have that South American bite to their sound that I have been addicted to ever since I first heard Sarcofago and Sepultura in my teens. Everything I love about Death Metal seems to be cohesively fit into this record. From the insane pummelling of hells hammers to the more otherworldly slower moments, there is so much to digest and yet the execution’s sadistic approach is one that forcefully makes its presence known. Those bands who combine the spectral and feral elements of true extremity in a genuinely hostile manner are the real underground heroes and Invocation are one such band. Obscure is their sound and yet fans of true evil metallic triumphs will feel at home with this recording of utmost magnificence. Equally, fans of that trendy lameness despoiled by hardcore influences shall run whimpering and cower from such a blasphemous tome. Only real maniacs can indulge in the ecstatic trance, for the false will feel the ire and punishment of Chile’s underground!
Of course it is typical of a guitarist such as myself to talk about the intricacies of the superb and serpentining riffs that flow seamlessly from this record. But I was just as impressed by the bludgeoning drums and the creativity displayed in the percussion department. Such a formidable instrumental force makes those malicious vocals feel even more ghastly as the trio convey tomb-exhuming barbarity in a tremendous morbid union. Dancing grooves even manage to creep into the album and give it an 80s flare, something I will never complain about, yet feeling totally comfortable amidst the more restless and violent pacing of its surroundings. Invocation may have taken six years (albeit with some brilliant shorter releases) since forming to deliver their debut album, but clearly the labour of passion and dedication has made it a worthy task. A venomous and spectacular debut for this force of evil majesties.
A supreme gem of obscure Chilean Death Metal might. Atmospheric, direct, savage, unholy and crushing. All of the true spirit of the genre is alive and well on this diabolical record that savagely dominates all in its path but with plentiful dynamics to keep things fresh. A near-perfect example of how Death Metal should be…
Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
