Earlier this year, Infernal Inquisition did celebrate its tenth anniversary. However, throughout a decade of existence, this Brazilian act did not record that much material at all. Earlier this year, there was an EP and a split (with those sweeties from Uraeus), but before they hadn’t but two ‘real’ releases and some contributions on samplers. Their sole full length was Sob O Obsesso Ocaso Lunar, and it was released in 2015. But seen the quality, and because it’s never too late to give some attention to worthy stuff, this review will deal with that recording (as well to pay honour to Brazilian Black Metal label Sulphur Records and the other labels involved with release and distribution).
Sob O Obsesso Ocaso Lunar lasts for almost fifty minutes, and is divided into two chapters, Do Fétido Odor À Inexorável Serpente and Uivos Ao Frigido Sarcasmo Da Demência, twice consisting of four titles in the band’s mother tongue. And those adored by the tradition of (Second Wave) Black Metal must pay attention right now. With this recording, the band delves deeper into the roots of universal and timeless Black Metal. It is quite melodious, for example. This goes for the riffing especially. The guitar leads are permanently creating epic and atmospheric melodies, paying tribute to the purest definition of ‘Metal’. Even though quite slow-paced, those melodic riffs constantly arouse and thrill. Besides, the few leads parts and solos strengthen that melodic attitude. Okay, it might lack of originality (it totally does, to be honest), but hey, do you care? I do not. Those guitar-oriented basics are supported by a firm rhythm section, plain yet modestly focusing on a very fine and well-balanced support. It’s the rhythm section too (bass and rhythm guitars, and the marvellous drums / percussions, once again not exactly looking for adventurous escapes, yet focusing on the basics) that offers the more brutal counterpart, in equilibrium with the epic-melodic structures of the lead guitar melodies. The faster chapters are heavily driven and pushed forward by those battering drum constructions and heavy bass lines. I did not mention the vocals yet, but they are diverse: mostly grunting or screaming, yet with quite a differing vocal timbre. Their relationship with the duelling lead parts and the malignant assistance of the rhythm instrumentation is nicely mixed, which brings me easily to the sound quality. Well, actually, the production is not exactly ‘top-notch’, but it exhales a certain roughness that surely supports the ugliness of the Old School.
Just to give you an idea about the distinction in between both halves of the recording. The first chapter, Do Fétido Odor À Inexorável Serpente is the most epic and vivid one out of two. It comes, to my opinion, closer to a certain Nordic-styled inspiration with a prominent Nineties approach, including a more professional (read: evolved) performance. The second half is much more primal and necrotic in execution (and oh, for what it’s worth: I do adore the deadly primitivism of that execution), yet at least as heavy and war-mongering as the first part. But then again, both parts might differ a tiny little bit, yet the overall approach is quite alike. And since the morbid sound, the lethal execution, and the intelligent song writing in general, are very attractive (despite the lack of originality – but once again: f*ck trying to be ‘original’ or ‘renewing’; the old styled spirit will always predominate!), this material must reach at least a few of you. …worth giving a try…