The year 2009 was a feast for extreme metal fans, with many solid releases, and as 2010 approached, the question was whether the next year would bring equally strong albums. One of the first bombs to drop in 2010 was Majesty and Decay by Immolation, proving once again after a three-year hiatus just how high-quality this band truly is.
Immolation holds a special place for death metal lovers. This band has never compromised their essence on any album, avoided melodic nonsense, maintained their brutal structure, added technicality and quality without softening their sound, and yet kept the old-school death metal spirit intact.
Majesty and Decay was released through Nuclear Blast. Despite the increasingly poser-like tendencies of the label, it’s undeniable that the roster includes many high-caliber, top-tier bands.
The album consists of 12 tracks including an intro and runs around 45 minutes. Ross Dolan’s vocals leave a strong impression — flawless and utterly FEROCIOUS! Not just vocals, but the bass is also prominent. While previous albums featured intense bass sections, this time the bass tones sound thicker and darker, adding a heavier atmosphere to the record. Drummer Steve Shalaty doesn’t just play but shows off his strength — is there anyone more beastly than him? The guitar duo Robert and Bill deliver fiery solos throughout.
This album is so well-crafted that it’s hard for any Immolation listener to find flaws. Of course, there will always be some rebels nitpicking here and there, but I guarantee that no sane extreme metal fan will dislike this record.
About the cover art: When I first saw it, my reaction was “Yoooh, finally!” For those who play World of Warcraft, the new expansion Wrath of the Lich King had just been released around the album’s release date. The character Arthas (known as the Lich King) looks incredibly similar to the Majesty figure on this album cover. I even briefly thought Immolation might be advertising WoW! Since I’m a fan of the game, I automatically liked the cover. The album title and cover fit perfectly together, with quality colors and design — a perfect match for the album.
I especially recommend paying close attention to the drums on "A Thunderous Consequence." My favorite tracks are Majesty and Decay and The Comfort of Cowards.
Note: There isn’t a bad track on the album — it’s flawless to me and deserves a 10/10.
Note: The album was recorded at Millbrook Studios in New York with Paul Orofino.
Tracklist:
Intro
The Purge
A Token of Malice
Majesty and Decay
Divine Code
In Human Form
A Glorious Epoch
Interlude
A Thunderous Consequence
The Rapture of Ghosts
Power and Shame
The Comfort of Cowards
Line-up:
Ross Dolan – Vocals, Bass
Robert Vigna – Guitar
Bill Taylor – Guitar
Steve Shalaty – Drums