INVOKATION is a Death Metal band based out of Germany. Following the release of an EP in 2009, this is the band's first full-length release, and contains eight tracks. "Infected" is a short instrumental lead-in with some eerie spoken words. "Second Skin" is the first track with vocals. Out of the gate this is pretty brutal and traditional Death Metal. The vocals are ultra-low guttural in style. Blast beat drumming abounds and the key is based in low E.

"Fenfire" is done in a higher key giving the darkness of the music and message a somewhat bright quality, which is an interesting twist. The pacing is similar however and the ensuing landscape paints a similar picture. As "Through the Gates of Hypnos" rolls around it is pretty evident that the pattern the LP has established is going to remain very similar from track to track. I appreciate the integrity and consistency, but would have liked to have heard a bit more diversity. "Death Metal Apocalypse" brings some variegate into the fold, as it has some meter changes and bit more bossy sound overall. Death Metal can pretty easily fall into a rut due to the strict genre boundaries but this track widens somewhat which is nice to hear.

"Spineless Breed" is the closing song, and it starts a bit slower and more deliberate, allowing the evil to poke out of the shell more. The band has done a nice job of establishing themselves as a purity of Death Metal sound, just not a lot in enticement in terms of showing how they can distance themselves from the sea of bands in this style.