Released by: From The Vaults
Release Date: June 28th, 2024
Genre: Danish Epic Doom Metal
Links: https://altarofoblivion.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-cesspit-of-divine-decay
Tracklist:
1. Nothing Grows From Hallowed Ground
2. The Fallacy
3. Ghosts In The Trenches
4. Mark Of The Dead
5. Altar Of Oblivion
6. The Night They Came
7. Silent Pain
8. Damnation
9. In The Cesspit Of Divine Decay
10. Wind Among Waves
Originating from Aalborg, Nordjylland, Altar of Oblivion, the Danish doom metallers, return with their latest release, In the Cesspit of Divine Decay. Formed in 2006, the band consists of Mik Mentor on lead vocals, Martin Meyer Sparvath on guitars and keyboards, Jeppe Campradt on guitars and keyboards, and Danny Woe on drums. With three full studio albums, five EPs, and a live album from their 2017 performance at Godset, Altar of Oblivion‘s latest offering marks their first album release in five years, comprising ten compelling tracks.
The album opens with the heavily riffed track “Nothing Grows from Hallowed Ground,” blending operatic-quality vocals with melodic guitars and powerful drums. Following is “Fallacy,” lyrically evoking a tale of conflict between good and evil, narrated through dynamic drumming and vocal delivery, punctuated by strategic guitar riffs. An eerie synth introduces the aptly titled interlude “Ghosts in the Trenches,” leading into “Make of the Dead.” Mentor’s vocals resonate with the solemnity of a funeral procession before the guitars intensify the mood. These initial tracks showcase the band’s prowess in storytelling, vividly portraying historical struggles.
The eponymous track Altar of Oblivion begins with a deliberate, heavy chugging tempo that builds into commanding vocals, creating a gripping atmosphere. The Night they Came opens with monastic-style chants, segueing into a guitar-led chorus and continuing the album’s narrative thread. Silent Pain features a brisk guitar solo introduction, transitioning seamlessly into the band’s trademark vocal harmonies and intricate guitar work. The enchanting instrumentation at the start of Damnation creates an ethereal, almost reverential ambiance. The title track of the LP is notably heavier, setting the stage for the final track, Wind Among Waves.
Overall, In the Cesspit of Divine Decay masterfully combines storytelling with meticulously crafted instrumental arrangements that elevate the album’s atmosphere, painting vivid mental landscapes for listeners. Scheduled for release on June 28, 2024, this album promises to captivate audiences with its thematic depth and musical prowess.
Score: 6/10
Reviewed by: Dave Martin
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