Album Review: Revocation – Netherheaven (Metal Blade Records)

Boston-based progressive death metal outfit Revocation return from the Lovecraftian outer limits on new album, Netherheaven. Four years in the making, the Billboard-charting trio—featuring Dave Davidson (vocals/guitars), Ash Pearson (drums), and Brett Bamberger (bass)–meticulously explore the allegorical and literal aspects of Hell as they dig deeper into the darker, more diabolical side of death metal.

Revocation will release Netherheaven on September 9th via Metal Blade Records. Revocation would like to dedicate Netherheaven to the memory of Trevor Scott Strnad, May 3rd, 1981 – May 11th, 2022. Rest in Power, Trevor.

Pushing the boundaries of not just the Revocation sound but what death metal can deliver, Revocation returns with an album that embodies the biblical sense of Hell. From the moment it begins in brutal fashion with Diabolical Majesty, it’s a dark and twisted descent through the nine circles.

It’s exciting to still find Revocation willing to push themselves as this quintessentially death metal release has more than just an interesting concept going for it. For starters, Revocation are extremely fired up and you can feel their passion like a flame wrapping itself around the body. Then there are the progressive touches that slide in here and there like a terrifying oiled snake. How about the fact that it’s a darker and more evil sounding record? But then there’s the straight-forward death metal side of things, where Revocation showcase a ferocious intent that is akin to a wild beast on a hungry rampage.

From Lessons in Occult Theft to Nihilistic Violence to Strange and Eternal to Galleries of Morbid Artistry, there’s no let-up in the savagery and it’s bloody glorious.

Don’t be surprised if you’ve got neckache from all the head-banging by time The 9th Chasm opens in front of you. Revocation aren’t just dealing in crushing and crashing heaviness, it’s death metal that seeps into the soul and is dangerously communicable.

Manic and measured, Godforsaken and The Intervening Abyss of Untold Aeons keep the twisted descent into hell a delightful experience. Revocation continuing to show that they may have found the ‘sweet spot’ for their sound. Before the album closes out with a very special track. Special because it features two massive talents. The late Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder and George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher of Cannibal Corpse.

Called Re-Crucified, Revocation are at their wildest, most devastating and most intense. All of which is made even crazier by the immense parts that Trevor and Corpsegrinder have.

Hell has never seemed so appealing thanks to Revocation.

Revocation – Netherheaven Full Track Listing:

1. Diabolical Majesty
2. Lessons In Occult Theft
3. Nihilistic Violence
4. Strange and Eternal
5. Galleries of Morbid Artistry
6. The 9th Chasm
7. Godforsaken
8. The Intervening Abyss of Untold Aeons
9. Re-Crucified (feat. Trevor Strnad & George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher)

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