Hour of Penance – Devotion
Release Date: 5th April 2024
Label: Agonia Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal
FFO: Immolation, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hideous Divinity, Nile.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
Hour of Penance has held my attention for quite some time now. I found Cast the First Stone enjoyable, although perhaps Misotheism didn’t resonate with me as much. Nonetheless, I still regard Ville Conception and Paradogma as their standout works. However, that peak performance feels like a distant memory now. Since then, the band has consistently released solid death metal, skilfully balancing the brutal and technical aspects of the genre. Approaching Devotion, I harboured doubts. It’s been a while since Hour of Penance truly surprised me. Could Devotion break the cycle?
The album hits hard and fast, sparing little room for respite. While there are fleeting moments of sombre reflection scattered throughout, most of Devotion is an unrelenting onslaught that shows no mercy to the ears. It delivers precisely what one expects from Hour of Penance: unholy Death metal with the tight technical riffing reminiscent of Fleshgod Apocalypse, albeit with fewer orchestral elements. However, this lack of orchestration is not a negative aspect. The sparing use of orchestral elements effectively builds anticipation and tension, as exemplified in tracks like Devotion for Tyranny and Spiralling into Decline.
The guitars and drums move in lockstep, complemented by the expected guttural growls that seem to echo from the depths of some ancient dungeon in the Vatican. Hour of Penance has always evoked a sense of Catholic history in their music, conveyed subtly through melodic lines and lyrics that prompt contemplation of the crimes committed by organized religion.
Yet, despite its professionalism, Devotion feels somewhat too familiar. While undeniably proficient, it blends into the band’s punishing catalogue without leaving a distinct mark. It fulfils its promises to the listener, but the lack of surprises can border on monotony. Fortunately, its brevity makes it highly listenable, even if it didn’t immediately grab my attention. With subsequent listens, however, it gradually grows on you. Still, if asked to differentiate between tracks, I’d struggle to pinpoint distinguishing features.
For metalheads who crave consistency and adherence to the formula (I’m looking at you, Immolation fans!), this new release will undoubtedly satisfy. It adds another dose of merciless Death metal to the repertoire. But for those seeking innovation and change, it might be time to devote your anger elsewhere.
(3.5 / 5)
