Nile
In Their Darkened Shrines

THE REVIEW

This album is one of the best death metal releases in recent years: the author has always had a preference for:
a) American death metal in the style of Morbid Angel
b) European black metal like Emperor, Dimmu Borgir.
It is necessary to specify this because I realize that this CD, which might become a mere milestone in a few years (if not now), contains the most ferocious, violent, and, I dare say, unprecedented sounds ever heard. Of course, we are light-years away from "Blessed Are The Sick", but here they have gone further, blending brutality and technique (often hidden by reviews) worthy of Cannibal Corpse with the tradition (musical and otherwise) of ancient Egypt. Time changes, heart attack-inducing double bass drumming, parts played with traditional instruments, very unique riffs, a voice coming directly from the (Egyptian) underworld: and, something I appreciated, the absence (and it was about time) of the "kill the Christians" attitude at all costs typical of so many (too many) bands like Deicide (of which I would save only a couple of albums...), that allowed many to freely spoil a genre I love dearly.
Among other things, one of the best tracks, "Unas Slayer Of The Gods" contains an instrumental part worthy of the best progressive bands: if it weren't for this track, the album would have "only" a 4... I hope I managed to convey something of what Nile plays...
So instead of the usual (?) reports of raw and bloody atrocities (nothing wrong, mind you!), you will read cryptic, obscure lyrics, difficult to describe for someone like me who does not know the Egyptian tradition context too well (and currently does not have much time available!).

In short, a real gem, which takes the highest rating, despite some thinking of (death) metal as a genre for depressed youngsters (the author is 26 years old), despite purists not approving ( ...but Nile has even won over the most "harsh" critics), despite the ultra-gore voice (between Cannibal Corpse and Deicide, to be clear) that will be indigestible even to the most hardcore fan. An album to have in your collection, and to listen to at least 3 times, always if you love this type of sound—and listen to Cannibal Corpse just after waking up like me!!!