Time Signature Metal from the crypt...

Genre: Tech thrash metal

Originally released in 2008, "Empire of the Obscene" was reissued on Metal Blade in November, 2015. In addition to the album itself, the reissued version contains three demo tracks from 2006.

All tracks on the album are strong. They're well written. They're well produced. They're well performed. While technical, the thrash metal on this album still grabs you by the ankles and slam you against the wall. There are plenty of crushing riffs and there is loads of energy on this album. So, while it is technically impressive, it is still an album that has the anger that defines thrash metal.

The three bonus tracks on the reissued version are from the "Summoning the Spawn" demo. They probably appeal most to die-hard Revocation fans, seeing that the demo itself is very difficult to get a hold on. I think that casual listeners can live without these bonus tracks. Still, if you don't own the album and are looking to buy it anyway, you might as well purchase the reissue.

The songs on this album should appeal to fans of Invocator's debut album as well as fans of the likes of Target, Dark Angel, and Voivod.

UMUR Empire of the Obscene is the debut full-length studio album by American ( Boston, Massachusetts) death/ thrash metal act Revocation. The band released the Summon the Spawn EP in 2006, but this is their debut album. Empire of the Obscene was originally self-released but has since be re-released by Relapse Records.

The music on the Empire of the Obscene is aggressive death/ thrash. Pretty technical but without ever putting technical playing before power. The music is certainly powerful and edgy but also feature lots of melodic content. When Revocation sound most old school I´m reminded of one of my old favorites in Demolition Hammer, but it´s only a part of the band´s sound that points in that direction. The sound is overall a bit more modern than the nineties death/ thrash sound of Demolition Hammer and there are minor nods toward metalcore and deathcore ( remember I said minor) but the melodic Swedish death metal sound is also not a stranger to these guys. The vocals need a special mention here as they are the kind of rabid dog sneer that I enjoy a lot. Think Jeff Walker ( Carcass) or Steve Reynolds ( Demolition Hammer) with a hardcore edge. The musicianship is overall excellent. Powerful precision playing. If I have to make one complaint about the album it will be that it´s too long with its 55:48 minutes playing time. A 40 minute album in this style would have packed more punch if you ask me. My mind tend to drift about half way through the album.

The production on the album is powerful and professional. I especially appreciate the drum sound. Pretty impressive for a self-released album.

Empire of the Obscene is no revelation but when the album is best its like a kick in the face. Aggressive and intense. It´s not that I don´t enjoy melody, but I actually think the music on this album has its forces when it´s most aggressive and non-melodic. I guess it´s an aquired taste.