Death metal is something that you either get...or you don't.
Full of powerful drumming, abrupt chord changes, distortion and deep growling, it's sometimes misunderstood by those unfamiliar with the sheer talent, technical ability and creativity needed to produce metal music. Those who do understand it, though, are fiercely dedicated to the genre.
Those passionate followers need no introduction to Incantation, a veritable death metal giant.
Founded in 1989 by guitarist John McEntee and drummer/vocalist Paul Ledney, Incantation has been a continuous presence on the American death metal music scene since its first album, Onward to Golgotha (1992). Filled with brutal, punishing riffs and chaotic arrangements, the album has been hailed as a must-listen for both new and longtime death metal fans.
Incantation bills itself as a variety of things, including cavernous death metal, grindcore, black metal and blasphemous metal with occult-themed lyrics. But labeling aside, the clout is in their music. The band has incredible strength and conviction in their violent guitar riffs and impressive vocals, which push up against a dense, heavy atmosphere of distortion.
McEntee, the only remaining original member, became the lead vocalist in 2003 after Listenable Records signed the band. For 2004's Decimate Christendom, the group was downsized to a trio and remained that way for their next album, Primordial Domination (2006). After supporting the record for over two-and-a-half years, McEntee put Incantation on temporary hiatus.
After Primordial Domination, the band released Vanquish in Vengeance (2012), which was received positively and the impetus for a European tour in 2013. Hitting their stride once again, the band released the albums Dirges of Elysium (2014), Profane Nexus (2017) and Sect of Vile Divinities (2020), bringing their total number of studio albums to an impressive 11.
True veterans of the scene, Incantation is one of those bands you must see live to appreciate fully. Live music is a catalyst for getting wrapped up in the moment and giving yourself over to the whims of the performers...even if you're headbanging.
