Temples Colliding in Fire

One of England’s far superior black metal bands, Inconcessus Lux Lucis, blew me away live a few years back. I grabbed their second LP which hits the turntable pretty often and now we finally get a new one! Out via I, Voidhanger Records on June 7th.

Stunning guitar passages and rich bass lines complemented by subtle percussion introduce this album in a classy and melodic manner. Epic leads and groove soon soar into life with that rhythmically charged, fist-pounding sense of triumph that I adored from the bands prior works. Instantly they are likenable just as much to Bathory as to Manowar, Venom or Omen. You take your pick, but they blend the evil and the epic seamlessly and that is the draw. From the superb sense of harmony and songwriting structures to the impassioned delivery and gorgeous production all the way to the insanely intricate cover art; everything feels thoroughly detailed and high in quality. Those majestic guitars can subside to blasting furore at the swing of the axe and menacingly harsh vocals with ravenous guitars soon fill the air with malice and vengeance while retaining the old school heavy metal spirit, especially in the rhythm sections. Howling with darkness and metallic might, everything here feels profoundly old school and yet there is a uniqueness that even in its earliest moments has me entranced and bewitched, yearning to hear more. While every element feels archaic, nothing feels reused, which to me is the perfect middle ground. Suddenly all time since their last output has closed and it feels like we are picking up where “The Crowning Quietus” cast off.

For me, a lot of black metal in England has lacked vision, viciousness, originality and most of all that classic heavy metal influence that is essential. Inconcessus Lux Lucis are a rare exception that feels like real venomous extremity by real maniacs, rather than a walk in the woods designed for hipster consumption. Punching weakness out of the mix with that crushing low end, dominating the dynamics with some ludicrously impressive guitar work, both in the riffing and leads while the drumming has more than enough variation to keep up; everything is so starkly superior to most of their contemporaries and countrymen. Equally the vocals are just as magical, offering a veil of mystique that sits superbly in the mix. The way those more melodious and epic moods contort into blistering and seething darkness is effortlessly is gripping, something that will constantly have adrenaline flooding you as unexpected twists serpentine into fruition before you, invoking chaos and splendour in equal measure. This destructive and yet intellectual approach is propped up by the backbone of old school traditional metal mania, as should always be the case. Inconcessus Lux Lucis are proof that the old school ways can strive for new territory while never abandoning the roots.

Casting spells of true arcane excellence, every element from the heavy, black, speed, death and thrash Metal worlds collide like the late 80s are back. This mystical and bedazzling approach is always the most welcome approach to me, as the results clearly speak for themselves on a record as wonderful and complex as this which offers diversity in huge abundance while remaining loyal to the very smallest detail to our precious originators. I was concerned it may not live up to its predecessor and without moments I felt stupid for such fears. The reassurance only grew with the journey of the record, as each song blew me away in its own right, while adding something utterly majestic and significant to the overall legend of the album. Not a second nor breath is wasted and energy flows rampantly from every element. This animalistic and primal feeling of power is unmistakable and will put your hairs on end while each beat of chilling, aggressive and potent heavy metal might will have you pounding your fists until the very end. A transfixing album of utmost distinction.

Another triumphant and glorious addition to a spotless discography. This epic blackened heavy metal tome is one of truly awe-inspiring accomplishments that will have your jaw agape, your ears starving for more and your mind molten by its visionary approach. Everything here has been done to the best possible standard without relying on modern treachery to fool people into thinking it’s something else. Inconcessus Lux Lucis serve as a reminder that black / heavy metal is not dead in its homeland. I suspect trepidation shall be felt by all the false as they have come to reclaim black metal’s name in its true image and destroy the bastardised version plaguing our scene. Thankfully sometimes one record can smite all its inferiors in a single blow and that has certainly happened here. A sublime album indeed and finally some British black metal that didn’t forget the METAL!

Written for www.nattskog.wordpress.com