Spawn of Possession Album Review – Incurso

By: Wayne Madden

 

Artist: Spawn Of Possession

Title: Incurso

Label: Relapse Records (US and EU)

Release: March 13, 2012

 

Spawn of Possession were formed in 1997 and hail from Sweden, with Incurso being their first record since 2006's Noctambulant, and also marking their début on Relapse Records. Five years is a long time for any band and there's been some line up changes along the way, with vocalist Dennis Röndum being the most notable, switching from Drums to concentrate fully on the task of lead vocalist. It's time well spent because Rodum's vocal presence is the leadership this album relies on, with tracks like 'Spiritual Deception' showing the full power and range of his voice, matched only by the speed and veracity of drummer Henrik Schönström

 

Opening with the chilling 'Abodement' – somehow reminiscent of the 1960s's TV programme The Invaders1, the Instrumental provides the groundwork for a labour of love, an album which truly bears the fruit of a band as musically tight in studio as the live performances they give. Incurso comes from the Latin word meaning to attack, and this album is certainly a sonic assault on the senses, with the sheer force being combined through all the artists combative efforts – a quick look at the liner notes tells you that each and every member of this band makes their own mark, musically and lyrically where it counts. In truth, few albums give you the Technical Death Metal this album provides, with phenomenal speed and aggression.

 

At time's this record sounds so terrifying that listening to it might actually result in demonic possession. On one particular highlight, Deus Avertat (another Latin phrase meaning 'God Forbid') it's almost as if guitarists and singer are forming a duet, with each complementing each other so well, something few bands (with perhaps the notable exception of Queen) have ever been able to master. You don't get the usual hog to the slaughter rubbish that you find on most Death Metal albums with this band, particularly evident on the closing track 'Apparition' where their guitar (and even organ) work is nothing short of incredible. When the vocals do come in, you've already heard an intro all of its own, one that has taken you from Stage 1 to 2 without you realising it and simply put, this is a band who know what they're doing – and do it well.

 

Spawn of Possession's new album should not be missed, and far from recommending it, is almost an essential purchase for those who enjoy Technical Death Metal with Performance and Precision.

 

Score: 4/5 OR 8.5/10

 

Spawn of Possession was recently featured on our Brutal Beatings Compilation, with the track "Where Angels Go Demons Follow". Check out the entire compilation here, or just launch the player here.