HIDEOUS DIVINITY is an Italian death metal band who formed in 2007. “Unextinct” is their fifth full-length album, in addition to having a demo and an EP under their belt. HIDEOUS DIVINITY’s discography is absolutely flawless and “Unextinct” propels it to another level. Simply put, there is nothing to dislike about this album. The songwriting, the flow, production...everything is spot on. A lot of care and love was spent on this album and it one hundred percent shines through. Music this brutal yet this artistic is something to behold and at this point in time HIDEOUS DIVINITY have a firm grasp on how to meld strong and smart songwriting into insanely intense music without compromising either element.

The subject matter is also on point and extremely interesting. The album is inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel, specifically the chapter about the voyage of the Demeter. Mornau’s Nosferatu is also another work that goes into this album. But it isn't just the subject matter that is fascinating but also the concepts born from it. I’m greatly paraphrasing what the band has said about the album here but, basically, it is the concept of something that exists, regardless of the world built and abused by mankind. Nosferatu itself is an expression of the non-human world, something impersonal and horrific…a shadow of the “world-not-for-us” that we must acknowledge in horror. Nosferatu is the protagonist of the concept but he symbolizes the world we are yet to know.

Wow, right? Such depth and an introspective way of thinking for this kind of subject matter is quite impressive, especially being incorporated into a death metal album. The melodies, the song structures, the flow of the track list…..everything definitely comes together to create that chilling and foreboding atmosphere that one would expect. But it’s dangerous. It’s unknown. This is death metal how it is truly meant to be heard. The album opens with the intro “Dust Settles On Humanity” but it’s a banger because it’s atmospheric but heavy. It sets up the concept of the album, as well as leading us to the first full length track, which is….

“The Numinous One,” and it’s a doozy. The way the band creates this sound that just marches ever forward from one devastating moment to the next is unparalleled. But despite that, the songs aren’t rushed, spending time on what is needed but moving on to the next concept when the time is right. Stefano’s bass goes a long way in providing the band with their uncompromising approach. Paired with Davide Itri (BEDSORE), the two are a massive rhythm machine. Encrio Di Lorenzo’s guitars are perfectly toned and mixed within the music, obviously playing riff after riff but never over the top but instead precision focused. The solo at the halfway point of “The Numinous Ones,” balances shredding with melody, a clear sign of a guitarist whose instrument is a natural extension of himself.

Enrico Schettino’s vocals are among the very best in modern death metal: massive, scary, deep, but emotive and intelligible. “Atto Quarto The Horror Paradox,” is nearly nine minutes in length but never feels like it. A nine minute death metal song might seem like a chore to some (lame) people but HIDEOUS DIVINITY’s songwriting won’t allow the minutes pass by stagnant—-it’s gripping the entire way through. The vocals are harrowing and set the tone for the rest of the song. I love how the drums really compliment the riffs, the song just seems like an infinite well of darkness. The first half is frantic to the degree of insanity but it slows down for the atmosphere to roll over, like a fog smothering under the moonlight. The bass absolutely pops in this moment and the build up back to the death metal is top notch.

“Hair Dirt Mud,” is an interlude of sorts, providing a chance for the band to show off their ability to command direction of liminal spaces. It pairs well with the following song, “More Than Many Never One,” because that song hits hard and sudden after the quiet fade off of the interlude. “More Than...” is one of my favorite songs on the album, in large part due to the more moody tempo. I find this style is something the band does as well as anything else and I’m glad they are exploring it more. The last minute and a half is jarring, the whole band giving it their all. “Leben Ohne Feuer,” is one of my favorite songs the band has ever done. A huge, climatic ending to this incredible album. The beginning is ominous, dark tones permeating the thick atmosphere of horror. It explodes outward, guile and fury coiling out like tendrils from another world. The subtle use of melodies is icing on the cake, smarty use of all aspects of their sound. And that solo near the end? Jesus h christ, it is incredible and pushes the song to another level. Not only that but the bass and drums during this part are towering.

As far as I’m concerned, this album is a perfect example of a band leveling up their sound in every way possible. This is the way death metal should be played and the sound that should be used to usher the genre into the modern world. Nothing can prepare you for this journey but “Unextinct” should be visited regardless, by even those who only like extreme metal in the smallest degree.