Into the Crypts of Blasphemy

I love coming across an album and knowing exactly what to expect. More often than not, it works out in my favor. I'm not too judgmental mind you but then again, I'm the kind of guy that goes into a record store and puts black metal albums in the Disney and kids section. What can I say, I like doing favors for people I don't know. Where would the world be without me? Anyways, when I first came across Interments' "Into the Crypts of Blasphemy" I already knew I was in for some bone-sawing, gut retching action. The artwork does all the talking for this music at a glance. But you have to crack this baby open to know exactly what I'm talking about.

First I'll start off by stating that the album is fucking solid. I've read one too many reviews calling the album "mediocre" or "same old, same old," which I agree with to an extent. But do those things make this a bad thing? Fuck no. In fact, I dare to say using the same style makes this type of music even better. So fuck your innovation. I don't want to take anything away from Interment though, they are excellent musicians and I worship the holy hell out of them.

Take the first track for example: Eternal Darkness, which opens with one of the heaviest tremolo/chord riffing you've probably heard. It starts off with the most commonly used dynamic in metal music: the infamous "one guitar playing, followed by the second guitar and drum beat." Yea, you know exactly what I'm talking about. But for some reason when Interment does this, it's like the first time I've ever heard something like that played in a song. But it's not only the style that draws me in, it's also the feel you get from the music. This is one of the only albums that truly makes me feel "sinister" or "evil" just by listening to it. [Others include: "The Horror" from Tribulation and "Epitome of Darkness" from Repugnant"]

Interment makes the term "nothing new" seem NEW in a way. Because if it wasn't for the drop-tuned, HM-2 style of playing I would've passed this one up a long time ago. The "swedish death metal" style works and will always work and that's what makes this album so great. So what if its been done a thousand times in the last twenty-odd years; it will ALWAYS work. Interment sticks to their guns and what they know best. They're not trying to be old school or traditional, they are the epitome of those things.

As a whole, don't expect any surprises from this album in particular though if you're looking to pick it apart. When anyone thinks of swedish death metal, the sound of a bloody chainsaw revving in the face of a screaming fourteen year old asain school girl pissing herself comes to mind [or is that just me?] Well that's what you get anyway. [And if you don't listen to metal then you're just sick man.] The album does have some oldies on it from previous releases. Re-recorded, re-done, and resurrected for your pleasure, so old school fans will have something to "raise up" to. The newer tracks are just as tasty, boasting of more death-themed lyrics and horror-inspired riffing.

My favorite track off this album is "The Pestilence." How can one band think of so many ways to write about death though? It amazes me more than boggles me most of the time. Does this mean though that, that's the first track you should listen to? I wouldn't recommend it. Listen to the album track-for-track and save it for last. Especially since it is the last track off this sweet album.

To sum it up, if you're into snare-kick pounding-deathgrowling-bass slapping-gutiar chugging-music for the new year, then you're in the right part of town. Otherwise, check it out anyways. Cause I guarantee you haven't heard anything heavier. [Also I gotta add: Go to 2:00 of "Stench of Flesh" and tell me that's not the sickest shit you've ever heard]

"...HACKED UP INTO PIECES
I FEAST ON THE INNER PARTS..."