Altar of Oblivion – In the Cesspit of Devine Decay

Review By Dave Martin

Hailing from Aalborg, Nordjyland the Danish doom metallers Altar of Oblivion are back with their latest release In the Cesspit of Devine Decay. The band originally formed in 2006, comprises Mik Mentor on lead vocals, Martin Meyer Sparvath on Guitars and Keyboards, Jeppe Campradt on guitars and keyboards and Danny Woe on drums. To date they have released three full studio albums, five Eps and a live album of their set at Godset 2017.

This album In the Cesspit of Devine Decay is their first album release in five years and comprises ten tracks. The record opens with the heavily riffed track “Nothing Grows from Hallowed Ground” a blend of almost operatic quality vocals, melodic guitars and pounding drums. This is followed by the “Fallacy” which lyrically feels like a story tale against evil as the band go into war. The drums and vocal stylings tell a story of a journey followed by a battle accented by the strategically placed guitar riffs. The eerie synth introduces the appropriately titled “Ghosts in the Trenches” interlude which proceeds “Make of the Dead”. Mentor starts the track as if singing a funeral procession before the guitars kick in. The first four tracks of the album highlight the bands story telling lyrics which audibly paint a picture of historic struggle.

The self-titled “Altar of Oblivion track” commences with heavy chugging at a slower pace before being joined with powerful vocals. The deliberate tempo ands a dramatic effect to the music that draws in the listener. “The Night they Came” starts with monastic style singing followed by a guitar lead into the chorus and the characteristic narrative that weaves through the whole release. “Silent Pain” higher paced guitar solo introduction gives way to the bands traditional vocal overture before returning to the harmonised guitar work. The fairytale atmosphere created by the instruments at the start of “Damnation” feels ethereal and almost religious in nature. The title track of the LP is heavier that its predecessor and leads into the final track “Wind Among Waves”.

Overall the album is a blend of storytelling with cleverly adapted instrumental contributions that add to the atmosphere and builds a vivid mental picture for the listener. The album is due to be released on 28th June 2024 Track list 1. Nothing Grows From Hallowed Ground 2. The Fallacy 3. Ghosts In The Trenches 4. Mark Of The Dead 5. Altar Of Oblivion 6. The Night They Came 7. Silent Pain 8. Damnation 9. In The Cesspit Of Divine Decay 10. Wind Among Waves