HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE HUMAN RACE

Blood Incantation's 'Hidden History of the Human Race' was one of THE much talked about records of 2019. I'm not at all knowledgeable about the progressive death metal, but consider me interested in Blood Incantation's main influences (I read this online); Morbid Angel, Nile and late period Death. Their progressive atmospheric death metal does remind me a bit of Pestilence's 'Testimony of the Ancients'.

The first side of the vinyl has three tracks. The opener 'Slave Species of the Gods' is a rather heavy non-melodic death metal riff-only introduction which seems obligatory for these heavy progressive groups. The vocals stand- out as very deep growls, reminding me a bit of Nile. The second track 'The Giza Power Plant' has more melody, atmosphere, space-rock bliss and overall mojo. Pretty much a perfect track. 'Inner Paths' is an instrumental track in which the band explores a post-rock type death metal with some psychedelic touches. Another brilliant track. The second side contains a single piece with a rather long title, but it's safe to say this track is a nice mix of all elements presented on the first side and a great listen. Though this record is nicely tied together by its sci-fi doom atmosphere and is rightly seen as a concept album, I wouldn't recommend searching for a story here. The lyrics (by guitarist and vocalist Paul Riedl) are clearly written as to create a very abstract picture of human reality, aimed to add to abstract musical atmosphere.

This album is actually greatly enhanced by its physical release, which expands on its sci-fi / mystery lyricism. The vinyl comes with a foldout poster of the artwork, lyric sheet, cd and a black and white booklet full of mysterious depictions and mysterious alien symbolism. In this booklet the band also 'greets' a rather long list of metal bands and classic progressive groups, among them are bands like King Crimson, Gong, Amon Duul and Voivod. I must say the vinyl sounds a bit flat when comparing to the digital release.

In conclusion, this is an interesting and well executed take on before-mentioned genres and definitively a rather artsy death metal album that casts is own unique doom. I guess I primarily like the fact that Blood Incantation presents its music as unknowable or even slightly in-human.