Dayton’s deliverers of dark damnation Engraved Darkness have mixed a smoldering pot of death, black, thrash and technical metal rolled out and used like sacrificial knives with violent intent. A four man played prophecy spewing out ominous omens with two members of Forces of Nature bringing a darker, more sinister mix of prearranged, apocalyptic chaos.
Like a fallen priest reciting passages from an accursed text, Forces bassist/assistant screamer Johnnie Wallace impales vocals chords on mic playing the seven-string. Forces lead shredder Jimmy Rose, drummer Andy Hall and bassist Colin Glover leave their creative rotting ways on record. Forged (in blood?), in early 2010 they’ve brought groove, harmony and melody to the extreme metal underground.
Dipping a spiked goblet into the steaming metal cauldron bringing out a multi-genre influence to their sound, they bend the horns to their own design, bringing forth Slayer, Cradle of Filth, Morbid Angel and the technical precession of Father Chuck. There are enough blackened pieces of death, corpse paint, classical and symphonic metal to keep the horde engrossed in the dark lords favor.
“Night Rising” opens with the slow paced grandeur of classical keys, with the breath of despair, desolation and haunting preludes to the coming storm. Hells wind chimes blow slow and subtle in the background, warming up the inferno. The count of the manner plays the castles keys, in similar theme as the children of the night make their music.
“Darkened Grave” wastes little time slamming coffins open, raising the marching, moshing undead. The deep growls bring forth the symphony of staggering decay, stalking the night. Guitars spell-cast, vibrating strings like veins from the shadows rejuvenating necromanced remains, raising dead flesh to the naked air. Melodically technical riffs accompany spooky slow, dark and deadly chords for this night of unholy plunder.
“Fate Divine” is an assembly of darkness marched against the holy gates with hell raised armies fueled on chug thrash. A solid thudding pace carries the undead soldiers through the night to the battle of heaven and hell.
“Deep Inside,” a combustion inferno of extreme ingredients, guitars screaming out like locomotive horns bass and drums like red eyed rhinos pounding earth. It’s part groovy freight train, part battering ram fist to the brain with ferocious, catchy brutal bludgeoning.
“Die” A molten lava crusted fist to the ears and face.
“Ritualistic Sins.” Like a bad trip to Vegas, whatever happens in the painted pentagram lit barriers should stay there. But what would the purpose of invoking be? Blazing saw blades slice away mortal coils as the flames dance capturing abominations, bastardizations and atrocities flickering in the eye of the fire.
The devil’s up to no good in “The Purity of Evil,” with brimstone in the kick drums. Prophetic war games come out to play like metal bulldozers.
“Gone” thrashes things up from the dark, black sea to the cold chilling grave.
Diabolical Scriptures can’t be stuffed or crammed into one category. Each tune, especially the loud ones, has their own swirling, aggressive wave of sinful talent. Raise the horns and give praise.
In memory of Dean Maiden.
Band pic collage by Tom Wilson.
Gaz ward
Only one thing to say…you guys rock… Awesome