Infernaeon

Florida’s greatest gift to the metal world is undoubtedly death metal. Death not only spearheaded the Florida death metal movement, but the movement in general. Their immortal classic “Scream Bloody Gore” has now inspired bands for over twenty years. Twenty years is a long time, though, and the definition of what constitutes a death metal band has expanded. Infernaeon’s sophomore offering “Genesis to Nemesis” (nice rhyme) may have spawned in a Florida bog, but this Swamp Thing is a mutation of hybrid metal proportions.

The piano keys that comprise the intro “Into the N.O.X.” opens the album on a gothic note, a facet normally reserved for doom/death metal. Death metal bands have occasionally utilized keys for interludes or instrumental tracks (see Morbid Angel), but Dave Stein keeps his fingers to the ivory (or ivory colored plastic) throughout the album. Symphonic passages found on “Legacy of Kane” and “Revelations” could pass mustard on a Cradle of Filth or Dimmu Borgir album. Single string guitar harmonies such as the one that follows the later track’s intro adhere to a definite black metal blue print.

“Ziasudra” begins on a melodic death metal note; something one might expect upon discovering Jeremie Kling from The Absence sits behind the kit. Kling lets ‘er rip during the numerous swift thrash attacks that appear on said track. He also precisely keeps the beat during melodic pairings of guitar and keyboards.

Infernaeon’s style hopping instills a dynamic unto its satanic hymns, but the group always returns to its Florida DM roots. Chugging guitar breaks found on “First of the Fallen,” for example, recall the murderous guitar play of Malevolent Creation or the aforementioned, Death. Ex-Monstrosity member Brian Werner seals the group’s devilish pact between death and black metal by showing an impressive staying power during carnivorous growls and Tartarean screams.

Continuing the tradition of the first album “A Symphony of Suffering,” which included Goatwhore’s Ben Falgoust and Keith DeVito of Catastrophic, “Genesis to Nemesis” features a couple of guest appearances. Gwar’s lead ejaculator Oderus Urungus sings a duet with Werner on the cover of Metallica’s “Creeping Death.” Infernaeon adds a darker angle to this classic thrash song, all the while keeping true to the guitar work of the original. Additional guest musicians include ex-Morbid Angel/Hate Eternal member Erik Rutan (group recorded at his studio), Bill Hudson (Circle II Circle / Cellador) and John Slaughter (Coldera).

Death metal legends Deicide, Obituary and Cannibal Corpse have proved the test of time, but the metal world needs bands like Infernaeon to progress into the next ten years. “Genesis to Nemesis” contains moods and atmosphere that the typical death metal band lacks. Those with an open mind and lust for extreme metal take notice.