One of the original vanguards of Death Metal returns with their incendiary twelfth studio album, continuing their journey away from the rejection of Catholicism and further into Gnostic foreboding.

One of the original vanguards of Death Metal, and 37 years into their storied career, New York’s own institution Immolation is back in action with their twelfth studio album, entitled Descent, following up on their critically acclaimed 2022 opus Acts of God. Produced, mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren at Castle Ultimate Productions, with vocals, guitars and bass recorded by Justin Passamonte at Jpass Music, and drums recorded by Noah Buchanan at Mercinary Studios, and displaying a stylish artwork by the iconic Eliran Kantor (with booklet illustrations by Santiago Jaramillo of Triple 6 Design), the new beast by vocalist and bassist Ross Dolan, guitarists Robert Vigna and Alex Bouks, and drummer Steve Shalaty continues the band’s journey away from the rejection of Catholicism and further into Gnostic foreboding. Is Earth actually Hell? Is there any path to salvation? Not only that, the album’s title is self-evident as it chronicles the descent of failed empires, endless wars, and the corruption of the human soul. You will not be disappointed, but you may come away disillusioned.

The Stygian, minimalist guitar lines by Robert and Alex quickly explode into Immolation’s classic Death Metal fury in These Vengeful Winds, kicking off the album on a high and demented mode. And it’s then time to slam into the pit like a true maniac to the sound of The Ephemeral Curse, with Ross barking deeply while Steve crushes our souls with his infernal drums, followed by God’s Last Breath, another song that starts in a doom-ish way before exploding into the band’s undisputed Death Metal, as evil, dark and sinister as it can be, led by the hammering drums by Steve. One more wild adventure inside the circle pit awaits in Adversary, with Ross growling manically while his bandmates deliver a fast and furious blend of Death Metal magic perfect for fans of the style; and Ross’ bass will crush your damned skull in Attrition, while Robert and Alex deliver a striking riff attack that will inspire you to break your neck headbanging.

Let’s all succumb to total darkness to the sound of the deadly hymn Bend Towards the Dark. Needless to say, it should sound incredible live, in special the always phenomenal riffs and solos by Robert and Alex. Steve’s tribal beats kick off another bestial display of violence and savagery entitled Host, where their guitars will once again skin you alive so caustic and sharp they sound. After such a high level of violence, get ready for another vicious riff attack by the band’s ultra talented guitar duo in False Ascent, offering an avalanche of demonic growls by Ross while Steve adds sheer Death Metal madness to the music with his unstoppable beats and fills. Then we face the sinister (yet a bit lengthy) instrumental interlude Banished, setting the stage for the quartet to strike us all one last time with the demented title-track Descent, putting an obscure and demolishing ending to the album to the cadaverous roars by Ross and the always pulverizing drums by Steve, leaving us completely disoriented and eager for more Immolation in the near future.

Once again, longtime fans and unsuspecting newcomers will be confronted with hymns of darkness and fury, invoked by one of the most respected names in the genre. You can get in touch with those torchbearers of classic Death Metal via Facebook and Instagram, check more of their music and videos on YouTube and on Spotify, and of course add Descent to your dark and blasphemous collection by clicking HERE. Often imitated, but never surpassed, Immolation prove again why they remain one of the most enduring names in metal. If you’re already a fan, you know why. If Descent is your first introduction, you will be a convert soon enough, as you descend into the pits of the underworld ruled by those talented and hardworking death dealers.

Best moments of the album: The Ephemeral Curse, Bend Towards the Dark and False Ascent.

Worst moments of the album: Banished.

Released in 2026 Nuclear Blast Records

Track listing
1. These Vengeful Winds 4:04
2. The Ephemeral Curse 3:57
3. God’s Last Breath 4:22
4. Adversary 3:17
5. Attrition 4:44
6. Bend Towards the Dark 3:56
7. Host 4:12
8. False Ascent 3:49
9. Banished 3:17
10. Descent 5:57

Band members
Ross Dolan – vocals, bass
Robert Vigna – guitars
Alex Bouks – guitars
Steve Shalaty – drums