Inquisition - Obscure Verses for the Multiverse (2013)

First things first: listen to Obscure Verses for the Multiverse on Bandcamp.

There is often a sense of relief in hearing a new record from a band a listener enjoys.  That relief can be intertwined with surprise that the record didn't flop like a fish as so many others from once-promising bands.  Indeed, Inquisition remains promising of greatness to come and show no shortage of it on Obscure Verses for the Multiverse.

That said, it might be a bit jarring for anyone who listens to the band (casual or die-hard) when "Force of the Floating Tomb" kicks in.  This record sounds really good, despite having production that seems diametrically opposed to what one might expect.  Guitarist/vocalist Dagon explained in an interview with Invisible Oranges that Obscure Verses... is the result of what happens when serious, ritualistic preparation and performance meets good audio.

Still, it's not difficult to be skeptical.  And that's fine.  But for once, the production (or good audio) isn't a hindrance to what the band is trying to accomplish.  Far from it, actually, as it augments Inquisition's typically weird and off-putting musical attack.

The elements that one would expect are all here: Dagon's croak, the double-stops, string bends, plenty of blasting and slower rock beats.  The croak is the one thing that really divides people about the band.  Otherwise, they would appear to be the best in a scene that is still finding its footing and searching for a greater sense of acceptance.  No matter the thoughts on the croak (which I enjoy as an element of distinction that separates this band from all others like a guillotine), the music behind it remains as quirky and individualistic as on previous standout Ominous Doctrines....

What might confuse listeners further are the new sounds that one hears. There are numerous instances of guitar noise (it sounds like Dagon is pulling up on the whammy bar, but I can't be sure), pinch harmonics, and even palm muting.  These things are far from the realm of orthodox black metal guitar playing.  But this is one of the things that makes Inquisition great; Dagon is not afraid to use other sounds/guitar techniques to get his point across.  He creates a new context for black metal with his playing, proving once more that it is possible to work in the sub-genre without being constrained by its stifling and limited palette.

Put simply, Inquisition is one of the better bands working in black metal, regardless of location.  Listen and judge for yourself, but be prepared to embrace the croak and be blasted into a new cosmic sphere.