Review by Arek on January 1, 2022.

The debut album of The Temple was released by the Canadian Profound Lore Records. The album features 6 pieces of meaty, but solidly rotten and sulphated death / black metal. What kind of band is this you ask? Well, The Temple is a duo from New Zealand and if I add that it consists of former Ulcerate drummer and current Ulcerate bassist and vocalist, their current drummer recorded, mixed and mastered this album, then you have probably already guessed what kind of filth we will be dealing with.

Those who are familiar with the work of Ulcerate, I probably don't need to encourage to check this publishing anymore. To the rest I declare that communing with such music will be a real ear-feast for all fans of death, black metal, and even sludge. The album is so oppressive and gloomy that suicidal visions knock themselves into one's head, and the upped, destructive bass crushes the last living neurons. Why was The Temple created you will ask, since Ulcerate had already trodden these paths enough by releasing 6 albums? Well, The Temple plunged into depths that Ulcerate would rather not want to hit. In Ulcerate, the darkness is made up of guitars and vocals so now imagine the same darkness has been dropped down and darkened by bass lines. Will you risk going down to such a dark and reeking of death crypt? Try it, the only thing you risk is your life. What does it matter in these sick times? If you survive and come out alive, this album can become a veritable vaccine for this abnormal era.

The Temple offers us a fairly simple music. Virtually no solos. An ocean of low tones. Over 41 minutes of sluggish darkness, constantly torn apart by cannonades of drums. Boredom? Oh no, simple, hard and heavy doesn't have to be boring. If you just delve into this bog of rot and you think that it is already absorbing you, it is these musical jolts and rushes that will tear you out of this torpor. Be careful, this dose of gallows darkness may have narcotic properties. You'll be rather reluctant to leave it but if you do, you'll return with sick pleasure.

Are you fed up with the present world? Me too, which is why The Temple can be the perfect antidote. However, this could only be a one-way trip for some. It helped me but you need to face it yourself.

Rating 9.3 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