Consecration – Cinis
Release Date: 17th June 2021
Label: Redefining Darkness Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal, Doom Metal.
FFO: Paradise Lost (early), Hooded Menace, Decomposed, Disembowelment.
Review By: Hillary Wisniewski
Consecration returns with their third full length album, Cinis. The Norwich, England act blends elements of doom and death metal in a masterful way and have been doing so since 2010. In Latin, Cinis translates to ‘cold ashes’ which is most fitting given the overall themes of death, loss, ruin and destruction. The album artwork, completed by vocalist Daniel Bollans, is haunting and adds to the overall ambience of Cinis as well.
From the outset, listeners are pummelled with oppressive, heavy, yet melodious riffs. Bollans showcases his ability to balance guttural vocals along with more mournful, piercing elements. The range of the low end of his voice is quite impressive. Guitarists Liam Houseago and Andy Matthews take us on a wild ride of slow, doomy riffs building into a frenzied pace that will surely have you banging your head. Rounding things out is the strong rhythm section comprised of Shane Amies on bass and Jorge Figueiredo on drums; they are aces when it comes to keeping pace with the various transitions throughout Cinis. Ground to Ashes (A Cremulation) boasts some seriously evil and nasty sounds and highlights the band’s ability to transition smoothly between doomy and death elements. If that wasn’t enough, the track features guest vocalist Dave Ingram of Benediction and former member of Bolt Thrower.
This track also showcases the blend of growling, muddy vocals with shrieks of despair. The Charnel House offers up a blackened death metal sound which is interesting and demonstrates Consecration can incorporate various elements into their song writing. My personal favourite on Cinis is the epic Unto the Earth Bethralled. Crushing and depressing, yet with elements of airy guitar that swell into a solo of epic proportions. I would be remiss if I did not highlight the drumming on this track, as it really showcases Figueiredo’s versatility. The only track that left me feeling a bit unsure is Embrace of Perpetual Mourning, as it had some transitions that were a bit too abrupt, as well as vocals that just did not mesh well with this rest of the album.
June is apparently a month for me to step out of my comfort zone with reviews; I traditionally have not been much of a death metal fan (forgive me please). Consecration expanded my horizons, and I was well pleased by this work overall. If someone is looking for some new or unique sounds, this album is probably not going to fit the bill in that regard. But if you just want some solid doom and death metal, then you cannot go wrong with Cinis. From start to finish, the band makes good on what they set out to deliver. Raise the hand of doom and hail Consecration!
(4 / 5)
