Inquisition

Obscure Verses For the Multiverse

1. Force of the Floating Tomb
2. Darkness Flows Towards Unseen Horizons
3. Obscure Verses for the Multiverse
4. Spiritual Plasma Evocation
5. Master of the Cosmological Black
6. Joined By Black Matter Repelled By Dark Energy
7. Arrival of Eons After
8. Inversion of Ethereal White Stars
9. Infinite Interstellar Genocide

[10/29/13]
[Season of Mist]

Columbian/American black metal duo Inquisition have returned with a brand new album and a new label, releasing this album with famed French label Season of Mist. It’s been close to three years since they released their last album, the critically acclaimed album Ominous Doctrines of the Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm, which solidified their spot as one of black metal’s best bands today. The new album, Obscure Verses for the Multiverse, expands on that formula. Among many listeners’ most anticipated albums, it is good to know that, while they have retained the formula that put them on the map, they’ve expanded on it enough to keep it fresh and entertaining, with songwriting deep enough for many return listens.

While listening to the album, one thing is for certain: Dagon knows how to create an atmosphere. Whether it be with a rock riff full of swagger and groove, arpeggiated chords that can be quite beautiful, as in ‘Joined by Dark Matter Repelled by Dark Energy‘, or with impressive leads seen on such songs as ‘Spiritual Plasma Evocation‘ and ‘Darkness Flows Towards Unseen Horizons‘, each little melody or riff achieves a certain atmosphere that you don’t see anywhere else. Dagon’s success can also be seen in his vocals, which are very throaty. These are definitely not traditional vocals; there are very rarely moments that could be defined as screams. They achieve a very spoken word quality, and are definitely an acquired taste, but add to the atmosphere exponentially. It is very hard to imagine this album without them.

In addition to the atmosphere, the songwriting also deserves a note. It is absolutely spectacular. Each song gives each riff its time to shine, and has little moments interspersed throughout to keep the listeners attention, whether it be a random pinch harmonic or an interesting drum fill. It also varies the riffing and tempo enough to be unpredictable, which is oft-ignored in black metal and is a very welcome addition to the record. While the album is 52 minutes in length, it feels considerably shorter, a quality that most excellent long albums possess. Ultimately, the songwriting gives the album memorability due to the exorbitant amount of hooks by the guitar, vocals, and even the drums.

Incubus’ percussion provides just as much depth to the record as Dagon’s contributions, ranging the gamut from ferocious blasts, trademark rock beats, and subtle, sensitive playing. They are played with an almost possessive attention to detail, paying careful note to dynamics and groove. There is also a real sense of restraint shown here, allowing the drums to be a tool of the songwriting itself, rather than feeling like an exercise in speed and technicality.

Doing the production on an album such as this is no easy task. However, producer Arthur Rizk has done a truly exceptional job of bringing the atmosphere to life with a production that highlights every nuance of the duo’s performance. It sounds extremely full and rich, which is made even more impressive when you consider than there is no bass player in the band. With Obscure Verses For the Multiverse, it’s clear that Inquisition have created an album as deep as space itself. With a unique blend of influences that are brought to life by truly infectious and catchy songwriting, and an atmosphere that cannot be matched, Inquisition have made an album that deserves to be near the top of every best of 2013 list out there; it’s a truly mesmerizing listen that takes you to another world.

Inquisition’s Obscure Verses For the Multiverse gets

5/5

– GR