Sound: Immolation have been around since 1986, so by now, the band is set in its ways and knows what it wants to do when writing and recording death metal. Majesty and Decay sounds like Immolation and retains the meaty death metal hallmarks that you or I or any fan of death metal has come to expect from these New Yorkers. It’s really all about speed and precision on “The Purge,” “A Token of Malice” and the album’s title track. There’s not much divergence from death metal played at carpal tunnel syndrome-inducing speeds and bark-at-the-moon vocal terror but there are still little touches and flashes that catch the ear on Majesty and Decay. There’s a shit ton of impressive guitarwork on this album, and that’s to be expected from Bob Vigna, who is known as one of death metal’s best. So if you are a guitar nerd, regardless of what style of music you prefer, do yourself the solid and check out this record, because the playing is intricate and quite standout and it just sounds complex, even if you aren’t one to transcribe tablature. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: It’s a bleak, bleak landscape on Majesty and Decay. But who would expect anything else on a death metal record? It’s not exactly music that invites upbeat, cheery subjects. Bassist/vocalist Ross Dolan isn’t your standard Cookie Monster –so would that be Cookie Cutter?- DM vocalist, but he does go low and deep throughout the whole of the record. His throat and stomach are probably pretty sore after a recording session or a performance, but it’s impressive to note that after all these years, he still has taut control over his voice. He doesn’t sound like a tired old man who has been growling for far too long. // 7
Impression: I wouldn’t be surprised if Bob Vigna’s playing on Majesty and Decay leads to impressionable, aspirant death metal fans to pick up an axe for themselves. He’s proof positive that playing the guitar is a viable way to make a living and express yourself creatively. Another tight addition to the Immolation cannon has arrived with Majesty and Decay. // 8
- Amy Sciarretto (c) 2012
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