Blood Incantation – Absolute Elsewhere
Blood Incantation has long been part of a lineage of death metal pioneers who use the genre as a gateway to experiment with bold, uncharted sounds. Their music, steeped in dark sci-fi influences, boldly incorporates alien atmospheres and aesthetics into their intricate style of death metal. While their progressive leanings have always been a natural fit, Absolute Elsewhere takes it to new heights, moving beyond expectations to deliver a sprawling masterpiece. Equal parts vintage prog indulgence and death metal extravaganza, this album is a stunning fusion of ambiance, technical prowess, and raw power.
Named after a lesser-known progressive act, Absolute Elsewhere unfolds effortlessly in structure. Presented as a two-part, six-chapter cosmic journey, the album ventures deep into the void of celestial horror. From the outset, “The Stargate” balances blistering riffs, piercing leads, and dense distortion with surprising passages of dynamic instrumental exploration. Jazzy drum patterns and retro synths weave seamlessly with brutal moments, creating a cohesive soundscape that doesn’t merely lean on its non-metal influences—it embraces them as an equal partner. The metal sections still hit with punishing intensity, while the softer passages feel more akin to a symphony of progressive experimentation.
In “Tablet II,” echoes of Timewave Zero emerge, as futuristic synths build to a climactic crescendo, accented by tumbling toms and haunting flute melodies. These elements recall the stranger moments of Yes or Genesis, but the death metal framework anchors them, transforming the grandeur into something explosive and visceral. Blood Incantation’s approach redefines the boundaries of extremity, using it as a tool for artistic depth rather than mere shock value.
“Tablet III” perfectly exemplifies their seamless integration of chaos and elegance. Middle Eastern-inspired melodies and ethereal space-rock motifs intertwine with ferocious death metal, crafting guitar leads that feel unpredictable and chord progressions that balance aggression with atmospheric richness. Across the album’s EP-like structure, the distinct character of “The Stargate” transitions smoothly into the equally evocative “The Message.” Here, tracks oscillate between caveman riffs soaked in effects and cinematic, shimmering guitar layers, creating an awe-inspiring fusion of brutality and beauty.
One of the album’s most impressive feats is its ability to shift mood and tone without losing cohesion. Moments of triumphant melodic death metal explode amid ominous atmospheres, their sharp contrasts making the music resonate long after the final note. Despite its cosmic ambitions, Absolute Elsewhere might just be Blood Incantation’s most accessible release yet. The riffs are captivating, the progressive elements brimming with personality, and the ambiance both immersive and memorable. With this record, Blood Incantation has redefined their sound and delivered their most accomplished work to date.
Absolute Elsewhere is not for the faint of heart. It’s demanding, challenging, and unlike anything else in modern metal. But for those willing to embark on this cosmic odyssey, the rewards are immeasurable. This is a transformative work that leaves listeners forever changed, standing at the precipice of the unknown and staring into the absolute elsewhere. A masterpiece of cosmic death metal and avant-garde artistry, Absolute Elsewhere solidifies Blood Incantation’s place as one of the most innovative and daring bands of their generation.
