Lamenting Satanas – Invocations Review

Before diving into the review, it’s important to mention that Lamenting Satanas is unfamiliar to me, and I haven’t yet experienced their debut album, “Scorn.” However, I’ve heard positive remarks about it. Notably, it’s been pointed out that their latest work, “Invocations,” represents a progression from their first album, incorporating a more experimental and atmospheric layer to their music, expanding their creative horizons.

The moment the listener hits the play button, they are welcomed by the acoustic introduction of the opening track, Unceremonious, which gradually immerses them in a dark and aggressive soundscape. This intense atmosphere persists through the subsequent six tracks, with Lamenting Satanas guiding the listener through a labyrinth of lyrical themes that hint at explorations of occultism, ritualistic practices, and the more sinister facets of human nature. The thematic elements resonate with the band’s ongoing exploration of death, disease, condemnation, and unrestrained hatred, reminiscent of their debut album.

Lamenting Satanas‘s album, Invocations, is a fierce, powerful, scorching, brutal and heavy extreme fruit of art that seamlessly combines the aggressive essence of second-wave black metal with the melodic intricacies of Swedish metal. This intense fusion delivers a relentless and dynamic auditory experience over thirty minutes, all captured in a production that achieves flawless perfection. The result is a cohesive and polished sound that not only highlights the band’s raw intensity but also embraces a rich variety of instruments and atmospheric elements.

Invocations presents a remarkable amalgamation of composition and arrangement that transcends conventional boundaries, showcasing a rich tapestry of musical elements that delve into the realms of the forbidden arts. The instrumentation is both diverse and intricate, going beyond the ordinary by cleverly interweaving folk-inspired segments with a plethora of unique instruments such as tablas, rain sticks, steel tongue drums, synthesizers, lutes, classical and acoustic guitars, and enigmatic lamellophones. This fusion of sounds results in an immersive auditory experience that is not only vibrant and captivating, but also pushes the limits of what is considered traditional in music.

Invocations creatively bring forth the abundant fruit of art through the intricate blend of instrumentation and composition skilfully provided by a fruit of art devilmanship. Featuring twin guitarists II and III, each wielding their skills to forge a tapestry of complex, fiery, scorching, and unholy riffs that ignite the music with relentless energy. A unique layer of sound emerges through the infusion of folk-inspired (majestic) melodies and classical guitar interludes, adding a rich texture to the overall sonic experience. Bassist IV contributes melodic bass lines that expertly complement the guitar work, shining brightly amidst the musical tapestry.

Moreover, the multifaceted skills of band member II enhance the music by weaving in synths, drums, and samples, broadening the auditory experience to include a rich variety of sounds. His synthesizers play a crucial role in creating the album’s haunting and otherworldly ambiance, layering intricate details that heighten the immersive and unsettling feel of the work. These elements merge seamlessly with the blackened death metal instrumentation, resulting in a rich and dynamic soundscape. His drumming is unyielding, showcasing powerful and varied patterns, from blast beats to complex rhythms that drive the music further.

The incorporation of unique percussion instruments and the input from gear percussionist RBM bring fresh rhythmic dimensions, elevating the album’s avant-garde essence. Moreover, the vocals, a testament to artistic precision, showcase a dynamic exchange between vocalists I and II, infusing the album with richness and diversity. This interplay intensifies the overall effect, as the music and lyrics are pierced by fierce and razor-sharp vocals, characterized by harsh, sinister, and gritty screams that evoke a feeling of malevolence and possession.

This album firmly establishes Lamenting Satanas as a formidable force in the blackened death metal realm, highlighting their commitment to innovation while preserving the genre’s essential ferocity. FFO: Aara, Dark Funeral, Angelcorpse, Tsjuder, Setherial, Ashenspire.

Throughout its chillingly frosty ambiance, the album culminates in the breathtaking finale, Invocations: Light Take Me, a ten-minute fruit of art that is both mesmerizing and monumental. With ‘Invocations,’ Lamenting Satanas conjures a tempest of sonic energy and ethereal essence—serving as both a confrontation and an awakening within the ever-changing realm of extreme music! We would like to thank Lamenting Satanas and their album, Invocations. We will wrap it up by discussing the final three sins and concluding the review.