Review by Adam on August 21, 2002.

Who would have seen this coming? I remember hearing some demos of these guys a year or two ago and being pretty unimpressed. I would not have guessed that in just a few short years that they would create such an amazing death metal record as this! The music manages to be both undeniably brutal and incredibly melodic at the same time. This is truly melodic death metal if I have ever heard it before.

“God Was Created” is a breathe of fresh air in an otherwise dusty and boring metal sub genre. Here the listener is given almost a whole hour of quality extreme metal. Each song is epic and very enjoyable to listen to. It is one of those albums where it is better to sit down and listen to it the whole way through. The lyrics are vivid and brutally violent. Much of the vocal delivery compliments such lyrical content. In this case there is a bit in common with bands like Cannibal Corpse, but that is where such comparisons end. The music is very technical and brutal at times yet extremely melodic as well. This gives the record a more dynamic feel and the song lengths give the album an epic feel.

The music is what really sets these guys apart from many of their brutal death metal counterparts. The guitarists are very skilled in what they do. They go from technical death to melodic leads seamlessly. The drummer’s playing is exceptional as well. The more guttural styled screaming may be an acquired for some taste; however, there is enough diversification between vocal styles that one will soon forget they even had a problem with them in the first place. This record is a must for fans of extreme metal. Even those who are not into the brutal death style will still be able to find something they like in “God Was Created”. It is one of those death metal releases that sidesteps sub genres and just offers good music. This record can appeal to any Dark Tranquillity fan as much as it can to any fan of Nile or Cannibal Corpse. I truly believe this to be without a doubt the best extreme metal release this year!

Bottom Line: Fans of extreme metal and brutal death need this! Fans of melodic death metal should buy this as well!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 9
Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Nick on June 8, 2008.

Having never heard of Incrave prior to this review, I had no idea what to expect from "Dead End", the latest offering by these young Swedes. Gauging from the cover artwork and the band’s Swedish pedigree, I prepared myself for some death metal, perhaps along the lines of Dismember or "Wolverine Blues"-era Entombed. Suffice to say, I was wrong.

"Dead End" is power metal, and powerful power metal. The opening track, Shattered, is a very well-crafted piece of Scandinavian metal. It’s apparent within the first minute that these guys have talent, vision and originality. Shattered is a mature song from a relatively young band, complemented by a strong lyrical approach, above-average vocals and a healthy chunk of style.

The Forgotten and A Shadow in the Dark are two very competent tracks, similar in scope to their predecessor. The musicianship in both songs is exceptional, providing yet another testament to the strength of the Swedish music scene, in both talent and significance. Another aspect that really highlights the maturity of this band is the refusal to inundate their songs with unnecessary keyboard interludes. The keys are used sparingly and add a perfect amount of lushness and atmosphere.

The mood is shifted to a slightly darker place with the onset of The Touch of Death. Where many albums start to lose their intensity and originality, "Dead End" moves from aggressive to assaulting. The Touch of Darkness is raw without being primitive, and compelling without being abrasive. Vocalist Johan Falk sounds like a younger Dirk Thurisch of Angel Dust, displaying a sharp ability and range behind the mic. The band surrounding him is obviously very talented, but their most definitive asset is the moderation and restraint that they exude. There is no virtuoso here, just quality and catchy metal.

Unveil The Death treads down the same darkened path that The Touch of Death traversed while Shades of Me spins "Dead End" in yet another direction. Shades is an imaginative song, incorporating piano and innovative keyboards into the somber mix. An Empty Soul propels things forward with quickness and ferocity, destroying anything in its path.

Scream to Silence showcases some of the best vocals on "Dead End", while the guitar blisters and burns. The keyboard melody is straight out of a Norwegian black metal intro, complete with the fierce frigidity and isolated feeling. No inverted crosses and flaming churches here, though. Incrave defiles with their music, not their imagery.

The album comes to a close with Nevermore and the title track, Dead End. Nevermore is just brutal, providing the tightest and most vivid selection on the album. Everything that "Dead End" hinted upon previously culminates at Nevermore. The last track, Dead End, is another furious and inspired cut, albeit not as impressive as Nevermore. "Dead End" reintroduces many of the qualities that were apparent in the first half of the album, including thick choruses and guitars dripping with juice.

My first experience with Incrave ends up being a very enjoyable and unexpected journey. The album is innovative, unique, vicious, and eloquent. If "Dead End" is any indication of what Incrave has in store for the future, this is a band to watch, even amongst the hordes of stellar metal artists in Sweden.


Categorical Rating Breakdown

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

Rating: 8.2 out of 10