Immolation - _Close to a World Below_
(Metal Blade, 2000)
by: Kirsty Buchanan (9 out of 10)
Often the level of production levered into a band's work, and/or the obvious effort put into the artwork, are a cover. Such things can often be a sugar coating for a sour, sour pill. However, in this situation the production value and extensively blasphemous artwork can only add to an already fantastic release. Not this time the superficial glaze of lesser bands, no, an extension of the pure genius that shows itself through the music of Immolation. There are reasons that Immolation are still to the fore in the death metal scene, and they don't need to be discussed after listening to this album. Bass guitar, an oft ignored medium in this genre, is particularly audible, specifically in the clamoring wonder of "Fall From a High Place". Not only audible though, the bass rings through as an echo to the powerful voice of Ross Dolan. Not for nothing is the vocalist also the bassist; he complements himself wonderfully. As a listener, the comprehensive blasphemy is a standard to the genre; but as a young Catholic girl I was impressed with the obvious research which Immolation have clearly experienced to bring this joyous disquiet to our ears. Nothing short of phenomenal, a truly astounding effort.
(article published 10/1/2001)
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