The underground Death Metal legends throw out their first release with Nuclear Blast Records, "Majesty And Decay". IMMOLATION fans, you now have what you've been craving: Another teeth grinding IMMOLATION album. And really, it's a case of same sound, new CD. IMMOLATION have darkened their tone up to an edge of Blackened Death Metal, making "Majesty And Decay" a taunting horrific thriller. More individuality is shown, and each member makes sure their role is known by playing the life out of their instruments. If you have always been a fan of the band, then you will worship this monster of an album. If you are looking for these guys to pick up a new sound like a lot of band's do when signing to Nuclear Blast, forget it.

Since the band formed in 1986, then later released their debut album "Dawn Of Possession" in 1991, they instantly started bringing in a wide fan base. Every album put out since has been a step up from the last, crushing the old. If you've a loving soul when it comes to Death Metal, then just get this CD. If you're edgy about the genre, then stay away from this - you'll hate it!

All instrumentation deserves one word: Relentless. Seizing guitar riffs and complex ongoing drum patterns match up for a disciplined sound, and the screaming guitars are dangerously impervious to going unnoticed; your ears start to bleed from the shrilling wails they produce, and the vocals are deep, dark, and merciless. Every year bassist and vocalist Ross Dolan's voice enhances. You can tell the man gets better and better with time, by both his live performances and by the band's new releases. It isn't just him though, as every member does the same: Get better with age. The way the songs are put together turn more professional, and the way each instrument sounds is better played. The cover art on here is just another plus for the album. It shows a half decayed crumbling statue, containing lost souls buried within - setting on a black background with light bearing over onto the statue. It's a pretty wicked cover designed by Par Olofsson.

An "Intro" starts off the CD and puts you in the mindset of a deep abyssal Death Metal album. It's really just wind blowing in the back, with guitars playing some eery notes...which is all that was needed to fulfill what they were seeking to accomplish: A lead into a dark album. One of the most gruesome tracks "Majesty And Decay" is sure to become a memorable one. The main guitar riff is what makes that specific song a recognizable one, definitely making it the darkest of the album. Another good track is "Divine Code". The vocals are spit out pretty quick in this one, with some more devastating guitar riffs. "A Thunderous Consequence" has a great heavy fist clinching moment buried at 01:23 to hail to. It should really get the crowd going, and send chills down spines when they play it live. But honestly, highlighting a few songs does not do "Majesty And Decay" any justice, as every track on this album is close to perfection.

The band hatched over two decades ago, and they're still giving. Expect more in the years to come from these guys. Give this CD a spin on a dark rainy night and you'll understand why this album just downright kicks some serious arse. It's IMMOLATION we're talking about here, so what are you waiting for? Taking you on a fast paced trot through a royal hell, "Majesty And Decay" does not disappoint.