Metalcatto
Metal is full of colorful and almost quirky band names. Incinerated isn’t one of those. If anything, this Indonesian band means business with its proposal. Also, have we noticed how Indonesia has become an extreme Metal powerhouse in the last decade? I wouldn’t be surprised if it hasn’t already become Asia’s biggest producer, but I digress. Time to focus on Epitome of Transgression.
Imagine my surprise when a band from such a faraway land (from mine) feels like a direct and angry adaptation of Icelandic Black Metal. It has that same cold atmosphere and dissonance typical of frostbitten latitudes. Ironically, Incinerated plays freezing riffs that pierce through your soul like your ex pierced through your confidence and self-esteem. It’s a short ride that doesn’t feel that way because most of the songs unfold like epic, drawn-out battles.
The production is muddy enough to feel authentic, but avoids the worst excesses of the lo-fi aesthetic. I mean, you can actually enjoy the bass for once. There’s also that signature rage from the Indonesian school that gives the later parts of the album a more Death Metal tone. I’m also pleased that the vocals make a real effort to sound evil, but avoid the Satyricon-style cringe fest. Not many things are more embarrassing than a Black/Death Metal band trying too hard to be edgy. Despite not making me blush, there are moments here that made me want to sacrifice a stuffed animal to Satan—and that’s a win.
The blurry face is the new corpse paint
I think Epitome would benefit from slower or even acoustic passages. It fits its almost proggy approach to Blackended Death Metal. However, my biggest issue is how “Confronting & Unfolding Fana” (what does that title even mean?) and parts of “The Cyclic Perdition” break the album’s pacing and cohesion a bit too abruptly. Just give us more riffs! Selbst style! At least the final minutes of the album close with a proper bang.
Epitome is a macabre, daring, and deep release that shows a band full of talent. It draws from the best parts of Ulcerate, Watain, and Svartidauði. What more could a fan of cavernous noises want? Sure, I was slightly put off by some of the more interlude-oriented choices, but it’ll probably grow on me over time. So yes, Incinerated is a true transgressor—and we couldn’t be happier about it.
It’s so kvlt, you have to click here to listen to it
Label: Black Seed Productions
Release date: July 14, 2025
Website: https://blackseedprod.bandcamp.com/album/the-epitome-of-transgression-out-soon
Country: Indonesia
Score: A conflicted 3.7/5.0!
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