𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…
August 1, 1995 — Incantation released their third full-length studio album, Upon the Throne of Apocalypse via Relapse Records. (Apple Music or Spotify)
This is the alternate version of the album Mortal Throne of Nazarene. The album was recorded in August 1993 but Relapse Records wanted the band to record the album again due to not being happy with the results. Situations like this and other incidents that followed led to the infamous bad blood between John McEntee and the label. While this is the same recording session as Mortal Throne of Nazarene, it is the original rough mix version of the session with reversed track order.
Background:
Upon the Throne of Apocalypse features eight tracks which deepen the band’s early intent of creating the most degrading music with funereal vocals. Incantation are one of the first bands to create what is now known as “𝚌𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚘𝚞𝚜” Death Metal which combines gloomy slow and guttural vocals with a Heavy Metal based instrumental. At times, the tempo is slow and dirge like, and other times, it is ferociously fast.
As previously noted, the material on the album is in essence a demo of what eventually became Incantation’s second album, Mortal Throne Of Nazarene. After an unsuccessful process, the band sent what they considered failed results to Relapse in hopes of securing further studio time. However, in the following year after Mortal Throne Of Nazarene, for some unknown reason, Relapse decided to release these sessions on CD.
Unlike the “𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕” album, Upon The Throne Of Apocalypse had not seen a re-release until 2019, and so original copies of the CD sold for quite a hefty price on Discogs. Even since the new vinyl and CD editions were released, the original edition has sold for $35 + on Discogs.
The Wells Perspective:
Upon listening to Upon The Throne Of Apocalypse, one would question why the recordings were rejected in the first place. The Doom-laden, murky atmosphere lends itself to the cavernous music, complimented by Craig Pillard’s deep growls. The music is a blend of blast-beats, mid-paced sections and dirge filled passages of Doom. While many have pointed out that there was no need to release this album, since we already had Mortal Throne Of Nazarene! I am of the opposite opinion, as I find Upon The Throne Of Apocalypse a worthy release, and an interesting one due to the fact that we get to compare the sounds of both albums, side by side. Deserving of its own rewards, Upon The Throne Of Apocalypse is an impressive addition to Incantation’s catalog and, should be celebrated as the stand-alone release it truly is. Especially, since many Death-Doom bands thereafter have attempted to mirror the sound of Upon The Throne Of Apocalypse. — E.N. Wells
Notice: Any reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells
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