Norway’s Inculter drop their third long player since their 2012 formation. “Morbid Origin” finds them in thrashing, aggressive form having lost none of their edge in the four years since their previous full length release. The band’s core of Remi André Nygård on guitar and vocals and Lasse Udjus also on guitar are a formidable force.

The melancholy and almost pretty “Intro” is a deceptive beginning to the brutality that awaits. The Slayer styled riffage of “Death Reigns” is pure anger with a frenetic pace. Remi’s vocals immediately call to mind Tom G Warrior with that coarse snarl. The production is super clean so those riffs have space and clarity which really comes through on “Age Of Reprisal”. The creeping, lurking feel with an off kilter chime only adds to the atmosphere. “Chained To The Void” takes on a more mid-tempo Metallica feel before sliding into a full scale thrash attack.

The pace of the album is relentless. Tracks like “Children Of Demise” and “Extinction” are fast, furious examples of blackened thrash metal that still manage moments of groove. The one track with an epic feel is “Morbid Origin”. With a Slayer “Seasons In The Abyss” style, this eight minute thumper takes on a doomier sound with loads of weight. The lurching chug of “Perennial Slaves” gives off a sinister aura with extra bite in the vocals. One of the few moments of light and shade on the album, the effect is haunting. Wrapping up with closing track “Lethal Salvation”, one might well be back in the late ‘80’s Bay Area such is the aggression. With brutal percussion and a solid mid-tempo grind there is a palpable feeling of tension that builds and builds. Melodic guitar soloing adds to the overall vibe.

Inculter have smashed this release. “Morbid Origin” is 48 minutes of hellish thrash metal cloaked in blackness. The production gives rise to a big sound that goes from taut claustrophobia to expansive riffs. A relentless powerhouse of an album, any fan of the genre will devilishly savour this one.

(8/10 Johnny Zed)

https://www.facebook.com/Inculter

https://edgedcircleproductions.bandcamp.com/album/morbid-origin