Album Review: Ingested – Ashes Lie Still (Metal Blade Records)

UK death metal titans Ingested have been churning out bilious anti-anthems for more than a decade and a half, dropping a string of releases that have helped shape the genre. On November 4th, 2022, they return with their latest album, Ashes Lie Still. Out via Metal Blade Records.

The band describing it as:

A modern essential. If you like heavy music, it will be nigh on impossible for you to not find something you like about this record. It still has the core Ingested elements of groovy slamming riffs, quick drumming, and guttural vocals but there’s also atmosphere, ethereal moments and some raw old school aggression.

Ingested’s hot streak continues as any questions about the slimmed down three-piece’s ability to rage as hard as ever are put to bed upon hearing this ten-track example of feral slab of nasty heaviness. Everything fans enjoy about Ingested but evolved. Yes, there’s no denying that the slamming death metal ferocity is the most important aspect of this album but only a fool would ignore the exciting new steps Ingested have taken. Namely infusing more atmosphere then ever before and adding a nightmarish quality to tracks.

The opening title track is a stunning example of this evolution but the likes of You’ll Never Learn, Sea of Stone and All I’ve Lost are on par. Though there are also plenty of tracks and moments where Ingested just go ‘balls out’ with ferocity. The likes of Shadows in Time, From Hollow Words and With Broken Wings delivering meaty blasts of chaotic intensity.

All of this made beyond listenable thanks to the immense talents of Ingested and a handful of guests. Every single member delivering their best, their most intense and most believable performances of their careers. A tough ask as up to this point, Ingested have knocked it out of the park with most of their releases.

So, what is it about Ashes Lie Still that makes it such a step-forward? It’s a combination of things overall. A clear refinement of their sound, a wicked balance of groovy slam and dark heaviness, the drifting into nightmarish locales, and their dedication to proving they are always moving forward. Such an important aspect as Ingested have never felt like a band that could stagnant and this album is proof that they certainly aren’t.

Ingested’s hot streak continues. There’s no stopping this band when they’re on such form.

Ingested – Ashes Lie Still Full Track Listing:

1. Ashes Lie Still (Feat. Julia Frau)
2. Shadows in Time
3. You’ll Never Learn
4. Tides of Glass
5. From Hollow Words (feat. Sven de Caluwé)
6. Sea of Stone
7. All I’ve Lost (feat. Matt Heafy)
8. With Broken Wings
9. Echoes of Hate
10. Scratch the Vein

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