For this edition of #tbt we’re going almost exactly 15 years back with Immolation‘s fourth—and arguably best—full length, Close To a World Below. When this album was released I was somewhat familiar but had yet to fully dive in. The blasphemous artwork piqued my interest and the intricately composed death metal has kept me coming back ever since.

Immolation’s work, particularly here, is a nonstop barrage of unorthodox time signatures and angular riffs. Parallels are easily drawn to the structures found in free form-avantgarde jazz—contrasting compositions and unexpected intervals keeps things interesting.

Robert Vigna and Tom Wilkinson lay down dissonant yet focused riffs while Ross Dolan harshly growls his satanic lyrics. The enunciation is astounding for a death metal release. Then there’s Alex Hernandez’s inhuman blast beats and suffocating percussion. Not a second of the 42 minute runtime is squandered.

While the album is technical as a whole, it never feels forced or overbearing. Instead, it’s an extremely visceral experience and coupled with the heretical lyrics, even more so. It’s not just Christ hating. Rather, it’s indictments of organized religions of all kinds. Striking down harshly against any sort of sheep to slaughter scenario.

This is not only a landmark release for Immolation but it’s the one that fully fleshed out their brutal and consistent approach to each and every album since. Close To a World Below made a lasting impression that has taken years to fully appreciate. Now it’s your turn…

(Disclaimer: Nine Circles is not responsible for burns of any kind or soul loss encountered during playback of this album)

– Josh