Review by Nathan on November 14, 2023.

I never really heard much about this album one way or another before I bought it myself. The general opinion is that it's a satisfactory Vader release, but also isn't quite as good as Litany. That being said, what is? It's easy to overlook this, especially because The Beast is often thought to be one of their weakest. Revelations seems doomed to linger in this weird transition ground between Vader's best and worst albums, but that really shouldn't be the case. This is a continuation of Vader's golden age, with all of the elements that make a great Vader album present. Revelations has some of the most complete songs, the best drumming and the most balanced production job Vader's ever had, and if you missed it before you're really doing yourself a disservice in not checking it out!

I didn't say this was the best production Vader's ever had, mind you. It's pretty hard to top the ear-raping kick drum on Litany, but Revelations takes its own approach to a heavier sound by giving the bass a little more wiggle room in the mix. Bass lines have never been more than a supplementary element to Vader's music, but their enhanced presence on this album makes for a fat, rich tone. This is also the album where Piotr really refines his trademark growl-yell; he finally found his sound on Litany, sure, but on the whole he sounds much more comfortable and less strained in his delivery on Revelations. He plays around with some unusual vocal lines, most notably on "When Darkness Calls" when he says "unconceivable evil" and varies the rhythm around a little bit when he repeats it. That's personally one of the more memorable vocal moments for me, and that track is one of their strongest on the album. May even be my favorite vocal performance from Piotr. Overall it's not quite as clean of a production as you might find on later records, nor as thick and pummeling as the sound they got on Litany, but Revelations has its own distinct vibe that works in its own way.

This sadly ended up being the last full-length Doc recorded with the band. But holy shit, lemme tell ya, on Revelations, the Doctor is IN. This is my personal favorite performance from him. He partially benefits from the slightly more diverse songs. I mean, we're still talking Vader here, so there's not gonna be TOO much deviation, but previous albums tended to have tracks that were more unitary and focused in their ideas. Revelations has a lot of different tracks that are content to have an equal amount of slow-to-midpaced groove in addition to faster, blasty moments. The songs are a bit longer on the whole to accommodate this. It doesn't matter what's going on, though, because the blast master himself knows exactly what beat fits regardless of speed. His blasting is precise down to the millisecond and he has a way of accenting straightforward drum patterns that is distinct while still not attempting to show off or overtake the riffs. On this album, he's noticeable during the slow parts too! Somehow, he keeps what should be single-minded, monotonous music consistently fresh and engaging, and his skills are all showcased to the max on Revelations. Doc is one of my favorite all-time extreme metal drummers, and this album is a huge reason for that. He makes the whole band around him better.

There's a couple of songs on Revelations that are oddities in Vader's discography, most notably "Revelation of Black Moses". It's a slower, groovy number, clocking in at just under seven minutes, which is pretty damn long for this band. This isn't something that Vader hasn't attempted before--"Reign-Carrion" functions in a similar manner, and that was on their first album, but even that was a little more brisk and reminiscent of something like Sepultura's "Inner Self". "Revelation of Black Moses" is the first time they really went for the jugular and brought their music to a snail's pace to pulverize you. It's a refreshing change of pace (even the biggest of fanboys like me will surely need a break from the hyperblasting every now and then) and the song has a very nice, natural arc, so I would say they pretty much nailed it. There are a couple other tracks that are more unusual for the way they balance a more relaxed pace with the aggressive Vaderblast. "Epitaph" starts off a bit slow, but really picks up about halfway through, which kind of throws you for a loop, as Vader love to kicks things off with a ripper. It's admittedly a bit of a strange selection for an opening track, and I personally think "When Darkness Calls" could have done the same thing in a better way. Even "The Nomad" is a bit more steady than one might be used to as well, but it ends up working in the album's favor. The middle of the album is where things really get good, and the slow start only makes it seem all that much better.

Revelations isn't totally perfect, but even the weaker moments are woven into the greater fabric of the album seamlessly. This is one of Vader's most multi-dimensional albums (mostly thanks to clever songwriting and a phenomenal drum performance) and also feels like the most complete and well-rounded thing they've put out. Why haven't you fallen in love with this yet?

Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Review by Allan on June 19, 2002.

With a history spanning eight albums and over fifteen years, it still doesn’t surprise me that Vader are amongst the death metal elite. Their keen sense of finding excellent riffs and solos combined with their knack for over-the-top song writing has kept these guys at the top of the pile since the dawn of time. Now “Revelations” is here and Vader shows us once again how death metal should be played.

Musically, “Revelations” is a continuation of their last true studio album, “Litany”. It’s got the pounding double bass and blast beats emanating from Doc’s drum set, the tremolo picked riffs followed by intense solos from Peter, and it all moves along at breakneck speed with enough tempo changes to stay interesting. “Revelations” also manages to keep the catchiness that was created on “Litany”; a fine aspect to the music considering it didn’t come about at the expense of other defining elements. The song writing is once again excellent. While the majority of the music moves along like a hurricane, the band’s attention to moodier solos and also mid tempo riffing makes “Revelations” all the more enjoyable. Every section of the music holds power within it and it all fits together at the end. This warhead will rip you apart from the instant it hits until the moment it rests. “Revelations” rains down like an apocalypse in today’s over saturated death metal scene. It rocks the way it should rock; it holds the strength to be remembered, it’s unique, and last but not least it’s one hundred percent Vader.

Having said that, I can’t help but compare “Revelations” to the bands earlier work. After the mammoth album “Litany”, I’m not sure if “Revelations” really towers over it or at the least stands up to it. It surely is an awesome album in 2002, so I suspect people’s opinions between the two will be split. Besides the fact that Vader had expectations to meet for their fans and themselves, but I’m a bit disappointed in the progression from Vader. They simply seem to be refining their craft, which is fine, but they have it in them to push the boundaries even farther. But I digress, and must say that Vader continue to stand tall amongst other acts still.

Bottom Line: Vader have done it once again in creating a great album that stands tall and looks down upon the seen. An amazing album from a great band, once again.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 9
Originality: 8
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.3 out of 10

Review by Yener on May 13, 2019.

So here we are with another Decapitated album, a band a lot of people have come to give a hard time ever since the unfortunate and untimely passing of late drummer Vitek. So, before I start the review I want to clear up the air a little bit.

Yes, this new Decapitated isn't really anything like the old one. But that's the thing - it doesn't have to be. What I think that a lot of people don't understand is that people change with time, music changes with time, everything changes with time. To give an artist crap about not sounding like they did 10-15 years ago is just not realistic. It's actually just downright childish. It shows that you actually have no idea what progressing as a human being or musician is. How many of you are still listening to "Reign in Blood" every single day?

I get that some people don't like Decapitated's new sound or style, but I love it. And you know what? If Vogg and Decapitated like it, which they obviously do, since this is what they want to write and play - then that's all that matters. You either like it or you don't - both is fine. But there are going to be people coming here bashing them simply because it's not Winds of Creation or Nihility. And that is not the correct way to review an album.

So, it's been three years since their last effort, Blood Mantra, and the boys from Poland are back with a bang. The lineup is pretty much the same, however the band welcomes new bassist Hubert Więcek to the fold. But let's face it, were all here mostly because of Vogg.

One of the best guitar players in metal, he really does shine throughout this album. If you like the style or not is irrelevant - the man can play, and here he once again showcases some amazing rhythm and lead guitar work. He's backed up by Młody on drums, who does a consistent job, if a little dull. There's nothing wrong with the drum work, but I would have liked to have seen some more variation. That said, the drums sound great, and the playing compliments the songs well.

The album starts off quite nicely, but it really picks up the pace with "Kill the Cult", which has some immense riffs and an outstanding arrangement. And after that, the album never really loses any momentum at all, they just step on the gas and run right over you. "One-Eyed Nation" is pretty old school Decapitated - it wouldn't be out of place on say, Organic Hallucinosis. Nice, thick and crunchy, with stellar riffs and a mesmerizing groove. "Earth Scar" in particular, is just downright amazing. The arrangement, sound, the chunk and feel are absolutely top notch. There is one riff at 2:15 which is one of the most impressively crafted riffs I have heard in a very long time, structurally speaking. Outstanding stuff really, no one else quite does it like Vogg does.

I think a lot of people hate on Decapitated now because of the vocals. I can see that. Personally, they don't bother me as they fit the music - a guy like Sauron would totally sound out of place here. Could Covan pull it off? Yes, he could, and maybe I would prefer that. But we don't always get what we want, and honestly the music is so good that I could not care less about the vocals or lyrics (the lyrics are pretty bad, by the way) All that said, people need to give Rafał a break. For the style he sings in, he does a superb job. I see absolutely nothing wrong with the vocals as once again, they fit the music well, and it's appropriate for this style.

The sound and mix on this album is one of its best features. To me, this is what a modern metal album should sound like. Thick as fuck, crunchy guitars with shitloads of gain yet still clear - Vogg has managed to capture one of the best rhythm tones I have heard in a long time. That Ibanez Iceman 7 string sounds like a fucking monster here. Drums are loud and clear, and not too clicky, thankfully. Bass is always present and can be heard loud and clear, even though Vogg's wall of amps and gain.

For me, this is fucking great, and one of the best releases of 2017 so far - right after Benighted for me. The guitar work is creative, catchy and heavy as a small fucking country. It's good to hear Decapitated back with an effort this strong, and I only wish people would put aside their biases for a few minutes and actually try to enjoy it for what it is. I've even heard some people say that they wouldn't sound like this if Vitek was still around. Um, yes, they would. Vogg was and is the song writer, not Vitek. And you know what? Vitek would have been proud of this. Simply because "this" is fucking awesome.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Adam M on August 8, 2017.

Decapitated have certainly evolved a lot over the years and this is certainly the case with Anticult. They continue to craft their new sound and while it may have a good deal of groove to go along with the death metal, they are still undeniably Decapitated sounding. The groove seeps its way into these tracks and gives them as much in common with Machine Head as they have with Immolation. There are moments where the band breaks down and these are often very interesting. Add those to the death/groove approach and the music here is certainly compelling.

I feel the band are trying to take small steps and really starting to evolve less and less. The music here is similar to the last couple of albums, but brings the headbanging portions with regularity as well. The first track Impulse shows off the groove aspect of the band and sets the scene for the remainder of the tracks. If you’re looking for catchy death metal, then look no further. If you’re looking for the most innovative thing in the world, you might want to look elsewhere, however. Small tweaks are the only thing present on this disc that are noteworthy. However, one must realize they’ve found a nice formula for their new releases. It really resonates strongly how the band have come to grips with this formula and perfected it to a great degree.

Where does the future lie for the outfit? Well, I can see them becoming more progressive in nature, but I hope they don’t completely sell out and at least have some grounding in the death metal genre. The varied approach works here and results in a strong album, even though I believe that Carnival is Forever might have had slightly more impact at the time. Still, Decapitated must be commended for their work.

Rating: 7.4 out of 10

Review by Yener on May 13, 2019.

So here we are with another Decapitated album, a band a lot of people have come to give a hard time ever since the unfortunate and untimely passing of late drummer Vitek. So, before I start the review I want to clear up the air a little bit.

Yes, this new Decapitated isn't really anything like the old one. But that's the thing - it doesn't have to be. What I think that a lot of people don't understand is that people change with time, music changes with time, everything changes with time. To give an artist crap about not sounding like they did 10-15 years ago is just not realistic. It's actually just downright childish. It shows that you actually have no idea what progressing as a human being or musician is. How many of you are still listening to "Reign in Blood" every single day?

I get that some people don't like Decapitated's new sound or style, but I love it. And you know what? If Vogg and Decapitated like it, which they obviously do, since this is what they want to write and play - then that's all that matters. You either like it or you don't - both is fine. But there are going to be people coming here bashing them simply because it's not Winds of Creation or Nihility. And that is not the correct way to review an album.

So, it's been three years since their last effort, Blood Mantra, and the boys from Poland are back with a bang. The lineup is pretty much the same, however the band welcomes new bassist Hubert Więcek to the fold. But let's face it, were all here mostly because of Vogg.

One of the best guitar players in metal, he really does shine throughout this album. If you like the style or not is irrelevant - the man can play, and here he once again showcases some amazing rhythm and lead guitar work. He's backed up by Młody on drums, who does a consistent job, if a little dull. There's nothing wrong with the drum work, but I would have liked to have seen some more variation. That said, the drums sound great, and the playing compliments the songs well.

The album starts off quite nicely, but it really picks up the pace with "Kill the Cult", which has some immense riffs and an outstanding arrangement. And after that, the album never really loses any momentum at all, they just step on the gas and run right over you. "One-Eyed Nation" is pretty old school Decapitated - it wouldn't be out of place on say, Organic Hallucinosis. Nice, thick and crunchy, with stellar riffs and a mesmerizing groove. "Earth Scar" in particular, is just downright amazing. The arrangement, sound, the chunk and feel are absolutely top notch. There is one riff at 2:15 which is one of the most impressively crafted riffs I have heard in a very long time, structurally speaking. Outstanding stuff really, no one else quite does it like Vogg does.

I think a lot of people hate on Decapitated now because of the vocals. I can see that. Personally, they don't bother me as they fit the music - a guy like Sauron would totally sound out of place here. Could Covan pull it off? Yes, he could, and maybe I would prefer that. But we don't always get what we want, and honestly the music is so good that I could not care less about the vocals or lyrics (the lyrics are pretty bad, by the way) All that said, people need to give Rafał a break. For the style he sings in, he does a superb job. I see absolutely nothing wrong with the vocals as once again, they fit the music well, and it's appropriate for this style.

The sound and mix on this album is one of its best features. To me, this is what a modern metal album should sound like. Thick as fuck, crunchy guitars with shitloads of gain yet still clear - Vogg has managed to capture one of the best rhythm tones I have heard in a long time. That Ibanez Iceman 7 string sounds like a fucking monster here. Drums are loud and clear, and not too clicky, thankfully. Bass is always present and can be heard loud and clear, even though Vogg's wall of amps and gain.

For me, this is fucking great, and one of the best releases of 2017 so far - right after Benighted for me. The guitar work is creative, catchy and heavy as a small fucking country. It's good to hear Decapitated back with an effort this strong, and I only wish people would put aside their biases for a few minutes and actually try to enjoy it for what it is. I've even heard some people say that they wouldn't sound like this if Vitek was still around. Um, yes, they would. Vogg was and is the song writer, not Vitek. And you know what? Vitek would have been proud of this. Simply because "this" is fucking awesome.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Adam M on August 8, 2017.

Decapitated have certainly evolved a lot over the years and this is certainly the case with Anticult. They continue to craft their new sound and while it may have a good deal of groove to go along with the death metal, they are still undeniably Decapitated sounding. The groove seeps its way into these tracks and gives them as much in common with Machine Head as they have with Immolation. There are moments where the band breaks down and these are often very interesting. Add those to the death/groove approach and the music here is certainly compelling.

I feel the band are trying to take small steps and really starting to evolve less and less. The music here is similar to the last couple of albums, but brings the headbanging portions with regularity as well. The first track Impulse shows off the groove aspect of the band and sets the scene for the remainder of the tracks. If you’re looking for catchy death metal, then look no further. If you’re looking for the most innovative thing in the world, you might want to look elsewhere, however. Small tweaks are the only thing present on this disc that are noteworthy. However, one must realize they’ve found a nice formula for their new releases. It really resonates strongly how the band have come to grips with this formula and perfected it to a great degree.

Where does the future lie for the outfit? Well, I can see them becoming more progressive in nature, but I hope they don’t completely sell out and at least have some grounding in the death metal genre. The varied approach works here and results in a strong album, even though I believe that Carnival is Forever might have had slightly more impact at the time. Still, Decapitated must be commended for their work.

Rating: 7.4 out of 10