When I first stumbled upon Inverted Ascension's "Descension," I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting into. The band’s description - "rising from the ancient crypts of South Australia, merging as one to unleash chaos" set the stage for something dark, something relentless. But what I wasn’t prepared for was just how deeply this album would resonate with me.
"Descension" feels like a hellish journey into melodic, orchestrated black/death metal, one where you’re not just listening but being pulled into a world that’s both terrifying and mesmerizing. The first thing that struck me was the way the album balances sheer, unfiltered aggression with an unexpected melody. The melodies aren’t just there to be catchy - they serve as lifelines in a sea of brutality. They guide you through the album’s harshest moments, offering glimpses of light in an otherwise pitch-black soundscape.
What I love most about this album is its pacing. Inverted Ascension doesn't rush into the fray with reckless abandon. Instead, they build tension, letting the songs breathe, allowing the atmosphere to thicken before they drop you into the heart of their maelstrom. It’s in these moments of tension where the band’s true power shines. The melodies, at times hauntingly beautiful, contrast sharply with the ferocity of the riffs and drumming, creating a push and pull that keeps you on edge.
The vocals are another element that caught me off guard. There’s a rawness to them that feels deeply personal, almost like they’re channeling something primal. It’s not just about screaming for the sake of it; it feels like an outpouring of something much darker, something that’s been festering and is finally being unleashed.
As I listened to "Descension," I couldn’t help but feel like I was being taken on a descent- hence the title, I suppose- into something ancient and unclean. The album’s production adds to this, with a sound that’s raw but not unrefined. It’s clear that Inverted Ascension knows exactly what they’re doing.
By the time the album came to a close, I felt like I’d been through something more than just a listening session. "Descension" is an album that lingers, haunting you long after the final notes fade. It’s dark, it’s brutal, and yet, there’s a strange, almost unsettling beauty to it.
Thanks to Grand Sounds PR.
Listen to the album here: ▶︎ Descension | Inverted Ascension (bandcamp.com)