Execration
Odes of the occult
Duplicate Records/Vendlus
In the short space of time that Oslo's Execration have been around they've managed to build a reputation as being one of Norway's heaviest bands. With their feet planted firmly on old-school death metal ground, they have nevertheless managed to create something of an enigmatic body of work in their second full length, "Odes of the occult". Right from the beginning -- and in various other sections of the album -- they give off a heavy stoner vibe that blends with their death metal overtones to perfection. It's an effortless combination that makes for one of the most interesting albums to come out of the country in years and, above all, it works. From the predominately mid-paced opener "Ode to obscurity", through the dronetastic "Intermezzo I" and "Intermezzo II", to the relentless blasting of "Grains", the band manages to cover all corners of the extreme metal spectrum in an utterly convincing manner. Slightly reminiscent of Autopsy in places, where "Odes of the occult" really shines is in its ability to create an overwhelming atmosphere throughout. The production is bang on the money; it's tight, but far from clinical; dirty, but far from sloppy. It ticks all the right boxes and it's an album that truly captures the essence of what the early death metal movement was all about.
- John Norby
