In the past, compilations were just released to be a kind of release to try to catch more fans to a known band due the fact that on the 'the cream', 'the real thing' of the band was presented. Today, such format does not make sense in the digital times (everyone can have every release of a band), so things changed. And in the case of "Tricennial of Blasphemy", the latest release of the North American Death Metal legend INCANTATION, it's really a very good form of compilation.

This release is to commemorate the 30 year anniversary of the band, and presents a collection of unreleased studio tacks, Demo songs and live shots. And those who know the quartet, even only by the name, know that it is one of the most important underground bands that helped to expand limits into Death Metal. And is one of the leaders of New York Death Metal scene along IMMOLATION, SUFFOCATION and MORTICIAN. And for those that still not know their work, it's a form of classic Death Metal of the 90's, often using slow paced tempos and extreme low tunes on the guitars, and always with a tradition (but personal) appeal in its music. And this compilation is really a gift for the fans! As a compilation, shifts between sonority of the songs are expected (30 years of a career depicts such thing, and remember that the band's lineup changed a lot since its beginning). But everything is done with care, even in the Demo songs, so it's not hard to understand what's being played. But remember: the band uses instrumental tunes that can sound strange, even for Death Metal fans.

For older fans, "Pest Savagery" and "Ordained by Night's Will" will have a deep appeal, because they are unreleased song, but keeping the same features that are usual of the band (low grunts, nasty guitar riffs and very good work on bass guitar and drums). After them, the fans will find precious materials that were released on EPs, promos, compilations with other bands, soundtracks (as "Absolved in Blood" that comes from Afterparty Massacre soundtrack, of 2011), some covers ("Degeneration", a REVENANT song that originally was released on rom Decibel flexi series on 2012; and SLAYER's "Hell Awaits", that could be found previously on "Gateway to Hell 2 - A Tribute to SLAYER", and it's really great, because the original riffing is kept by the band, but on their personal way), Demo songs (as "Horde of Bestial Flames", from "Diabolical Conquest" recording sessions, here a bit rawer than that one presented the album, and the same happens on "Impending Diabolical Conquest", "Forsaken Mourning of Angelic Anguish", "Nocturnal Kingdom of Demonic Enlightenment" and "Subjugation Divine", of their 1996 Promo, here with a putrid sonority, that fits on the songs), and the live shots ("Oath of Armageddon" and "Portal Consecration" comes from their live show at Lyss, Switzerland at Carnage Feast on 9/27/2014; "Impending Diabolical Conquest" recorded at Cleveland, OH at Peabody's Night Club on 11/21/2010; "From Hollow Sands" and "Iconoclasm of Catholicism" recorded in Montpellier, France at Secret Place on 11/13/2013; and "Absolved in Blood" and "Lead to Desolation" shot at Cleveland, OH at Peabody's Night Club on 11/21/2010 as well), and many materials of EPs and others. For the fans, this release is a banquet!

As final words, "Tricennial of Blasphemy" is a release made for old fans, because it bears material that isn't easy to find today; but for the ones that never heard a song of INCANTATION before, it's a fine opportunity to do so, and understand why the band's name is a legend into underground of Death Metal. Do it NOW!