Between 2012 and 2019 Italian technical death metal act Hideous Divinity released four full-length albums, but it has taken five years for them to return with their latest, which is probably due to a certain pandemic, plus the line-up changed with the loss of both a guitarist and their long-time drummer, so instead of a quintet this album was recorded with the trio of Enrico Di Lorenzo (vocals), Stefano Franceschini (bass), and Enrico Schettino (guitars) with session drummer Davide Itri (Bedsore). It is no surprise to me that they have scored a European tour with Nile, as the two bands are different enough to be interesting yet will complement each other perfectly. It never sounds like Itri is playing a session role as he is incredibly dynamic and at the heart of everything which is going on, while founder Schettino must have worked his fingers to the bone providing all the complexity and overlaid guitars which make this such a standout.

Then at the front we have Enrico Di Lorenzo, who sounds as if he is born to perform this style of music, and one can only wonder how many fans of “Hater” realise he is actually a surgeon with many research publications to his name? At times brutal, at others more technical, this is death metal that has a lot to offer with a great deal of variety and attack. The use of contrasting styles and tempos mean there is always something more abrasive, something deeper and darker taking place. This does not come at the listener like a solid wall of sound but instead is in waves, with everyone playing a key part as this mix and blend their sounds. If you have not previously come across Hideous Divinity and enjoy the styles of Nile, Cattle Decapitation, Suffocation, Ulcerate, Hate Eternal, and Behemoth then now is the time.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/hideousdivinity/
https://www.centurymedia.com/