Metalcatto
Don’t you ever feel like you want to get involved in something gross yet compelling? (And no, don’t say what your dirty mind is thinking!) Well, Lenax is a Black Metal band that, despite its underground nature, is trying to remind us of Watain’s good old days. I know that can raise passions, but I consider myself a fan, and nothing would be nicer than returning to that kind of old-school vibe. Infection has a straightforward name and proposal, so at least we’re not getting scammed this time. You’d be surprised how many times that happens with promos. Let’s go!
So yes, Infection is Watain worship that sticks to the occult and the filth of 2010s Nordic Black Metal. Despite being a USA-based project, it has nothing to envy from those old records. It’s nostalgic, yet it still manages to carve out its own sound—consistently dirtier, less polished, and somehow less melodic than the material that inspired it. In true American fashion, it leans more into rage than sorrow. Let the sad puppy feelings be for us northerners! Nobody drowns in a glass of water like we do! I even like the production—which is rare in a Black Metal album.
It’s organic, but clean enough that I can understand everything going on. However, in a strange twist of fate, what ended up capturing my attention the most were the vocals. Sure, they’re disgusting and depraved, but they have a more experimental edge that reminded me of Veilburner. I keep getting more curious about where Lenax might take us in its deranged journey. The rest is well-executed, even if expected. You know what’s coming now, right?
Is that someone’s living room?
Infection is a solid effort. It satisfies my pagan cravings, but it also shows a band still testing its limits—and I suspect Lenax can surprise us much more. It plays a lot of things rather safe, and I believe that if it took a few more risks and embraced the weirdness it’s clearly capable of, I’d be more properly amazed. Also, “Overdrive” is an instrumental track that nerds like me can enjoy, though I’m aware it’ll mess with the album’s pacing for some of you suckers. But for me, it was a good breather.
Consistency reigns supreme in Infection, and when the fridge is empty and the weather bleak, that’s something nice to have. I’m left wanting Lenax to try stranger things, but overall, the impression was good. Now, someone get these guys a label that doesn’t rip them off so they can deliver more evil riffs. The world needs more messed-up bass lines like the ones on this album!
Label: Independent
Release date: 25 June, 2025
Website: https://lenaxmetal.bandcamp.com/track/throne-of-the-forsaken
Country: USA
Score: 3.5/5.0
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