“Descent” drags the listener deeper into the pits of hell and depicts apocalyptic visions of the futuristic world we live in today. The opening salvo, “These Vengeful Winds”, takes a powerful step forward with the thundering drums; the musicianship remains creative as ever. Dense guitar compositions and the constant barrage of riffs showcase the quality of intricate drumming.

The songwriting in these nine tracks is a formidable power, combined with an immense blast of Steve Shalaty‘s excellent fills and Bob Vigna‘s masterful guitar performances. The variety of riffs on each song is inspiring and regarded as the band’s magnum opus, flawlessly cementing their legacy. The impressive scale and the untamed aggression delivered in “The Ephemeral Curse” are overwhelming.

The lead guitars, solos, and roaring growls of Ross Dolan seep in throughout blast beats, funneling out dark riffs and atmosphere that Immolation is known for; its sinister aggression is kicked into high gear from the start of the album. The guitars craft twisting, cacophonous, and architectural riffs ominously echo on “God’s Last Breath”, offering an impressive unholy sonic dirge that somehow recalls Incantation. Slow, doomful riffs become brutal as the bleak guitar tone and distorted bass guitar are maintained throughout this grim track.

Layers of riffs and beastly growls howl vicious demon remain in the monstrous domain of Immolation on the following track “Adversary”. The level of brutality reigns supreme, adding to the rawness and scorching pace of drums. The song’s tempo alternates between crushing tempos, and slow, dissonant guitar tones reveal the complex guitar arrangement.

Dark twisted guitar chords bordering on sinister, an unsettling hellish atmosphere, the same kind of signature sound we have been familiar with the band. A furious bombardment delivers heavy guitar chords that tear you apart. Grandiose riffs fusing wicked melody and grinding drums keep the chaotic tempo on a horrifying climax on “Attrition”, one of the album highlights.

The unique song structures maintain a malicious signature sound in the remaining songs, and the aggressive scale is similar to albums “Atonement” and “Acts of God”. There are plenty of brutal riffs, bizarre soloing, and squeals injected into song structure and grooves. The aggression and haunting brevity leave a hellish image in your mind.

Immolation delivers evil dissonant tracks like “Bend Towards the Dark” and “Host”. Ross Dolan’s guttural growls are deep and powerful, leaving an impact on each song, and the riffs set extreme intensity; however, there are catchy moments because the drumming pace balances slow tempos with sophisticated mastery.

Slow build-ups and brute force bring back the cold aggression of Immolation’s classic albums like “Failure for Gods”; the ominous chorus of the latter track then morphs into a brooding slow tempo. Not only does the NY quartet retain its brutal, straightforward scorching quality, but they aptly cement a vicious album into a sonic monolith of soaring heights.

The heft of atonal riffs is diverse on “False Ascent” and “Banished”. The creativity expands the infernal sound with gigantic drumming. Extreme drumming that pummels you to the core, and the guitars are thematic in their infernal atmosphere. The ambient intro and the piano showcase some of Immolation’s songwriting maturity to an unprecedented level; perhaps they needed to create something as dark as this interval track. For the first time, the band combines slow guitar chords and atmospheric elements, giving it an ambient dimension.

The monstrous onslaught continues on the final track, “Descent” which is yet another vicious, malicious death metal track incorporating slow and mid-paced passages dominated by excellent drum fills. Another memorable part is the unique rhythm and fast-paced, catchy riffs unleashing relentless fury.

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