Year: 2024
Total Time: 44:48
Label: Agonia Records
INQUISITION is a band that has been one of the cornerstones of American Black Metal for 34 years now. Despite their origin from Colombia, in the recent years they have been based in North America, and they stand out for having only two members (Incubus on drums and Dagon on guitar), Dagon’s distinctive “frog-like” vocals and unique riffs define their sound. Their sound has its roots in the Norwegian legends IMMORTAL, but INQUISITION has evolved into something darker and more personal. For years after the successful “Black Mass for a Mass Grave”, they return this year with their new album entitled “Veneration of Medieval Mysticism and Cosmological Violence”.
The album represents a powerful and immersive “cosmic” Black Metal journey, highlighting both the musical depth and philosophical influences of the band. INQUISITION’s sound remains atmospheric, and this album introduces a more pronounced “medieval” feeling, creating an experiential journey for the listener, immersing them in themes of mysticism and universal forces. The lyrics delve into a complex exploration of esoteric topics, analysing humanity’s ancient ties with cosmic and spiritual realms, something that aligns well with the album’s transcendental title.
Dagon has moved away from his “frog-like” voice and sounds more like Abbath, adding a ritualistic quality in total. The massive guitar sound (INQUISITION’s trademark), creates once again a musical boulder, while Incubus’ explosive drumming complements Dagon’s torrent of riffs. Noteworthy is the interplay between the atmospheric and aggressive elements of the album, which stands as one of its strongest points. The band continues to experiment with keyboards for yet another album, with the compositions this time retaining a raw, almost barbaric aesthetic. This contrasts with their previous album, “Black Mass for a Mass Grave”, which focused primarily on slower tempos and more keyboard-based passages. In “Veneration of Medieval Mysticism and Cosmological Violence”, however, the songs are faster, featuring more intense, high-energy sections, which represents a natural progression for the band.
Overall, “Veneration of Medieval Mysticism and Cosmological Violence” represents a quality step forward for INQUISITION, surpassing their previous work. The album is an exceptional blend of aggression and atmosphere, with a thematic focus that remains true to the band’s roots while exploring new sonic and philosophical realms. Dagon and Incubus continue on their solitary path, offering us a Black Metal record where aggression is combined with a dark atmosphere of melancholy.
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: INQUISITION – Official Page
