Among the death metal veterans, NILE holds a well-defined sound that intertwines burning brutality with mystic backgrounds provided by Middle Eastern instrumental arrangements—a combination that evokes empires and gods in the desertic lore of ancient humankind. NILE cannot go unnoticed with every release, and they have surely provided seductive echoes to modern metal. Their latest release, “The Underworld Awaits Us All,” released on August 23rd, 2024, via Napalm Records, is no exception.
Inspired by The Book of the Dead in Egyptian tradition—a collection of spells aiding souls in their journey through the underworld—“The Underworld Awaits Us All” encapsulates all the spiritism NILE offers. “Stelae of Vultures” sets the listener off to a strong start with a synchronous blast of drums and profound riffs, alongside Karl Sanders’ ferocious vocals. “Stelae of Vultures” creates an otherworldly setting where darkness prevails. However, the brutal lyrics lead to the next spellbound track, “Chapter for Not Being Hung Upside Down on a Stake in the Underworld and Made to Eat Feces by the Four Apes” (yes, we’re also wondering if that’s the real name). One can expect anything from such a long and jazzy title, and its quality lives up to this peculiarity. “Chapter for Not Being…” starts with blasting drumbeats followed by growls that reach unimaginable heights. By this early point in the album, it’s worth mentioning the energetic presence of George Kollias on the drums. He is, without question, one of the most virtuosic drummers in the death metal world, and if “The Underworld Awaits Us All” has an otherworldly personality, Kollias’ drumming skills are most likely responsible for that.
After the first two deliverances, “To Strike with Secret Fang” comes in with a more modest name than the previous tune but still packs plenty of power. “To Strike with Secret Fang” serves a quick blast of stamina in the old-fashioned death metal way: guitar solos and high growls lead the listener toward the next song. “Naqada II Enter the Golden Age” is a full-energy experience of riffs and beats, culminating in guttural howls that could awaken even the sleepiest god. This one is a quick blast but remains a remarkable track on the album. Right after such a brutal delivery, “The Pentagrammathion of Nephren-Ka” acts as an interlude with a cadence that lets us exhale the stamina built up from the previous tracks. Here, the Middle Eastern arrangements take center stage, introducing a much-needed lull before the next attack.
“Overlords of the Black Earth” follows the previous robust vibe with a symphonic twist, incorporating a chorus in the background. It maintains the album’s ferocity while offering a breath of classic vibes. “Under the Curse of the One God” is, by contrast, brutal from start to finish, with an interlude where both a choral background and the deepest growls come together to create an aura of misery. The next song, “Doctrine of Last Things,” shares a similar personality to the previous tunes but with more restrained arrangements—fewer changes in sound and fewer Middle Eastern harmonies than we’ve heard earlier. However, this pause is well deserved as we approach one of the masterpieces of the album.
The following track, “True Gods of the Desert,” might be the one that most accurately encapsulates NILE’s personality: intense riffs, rapid drums, and profoundly deep growls. At 7 minutes long, “True Gods of the Desert” is a blast of harshness that could easily delve deep into the oldest spell in Egyptian lore. It is hands down the most energetic track on the album and likely one that will open the mosh pit at their future shows. But if you think “True Gods of the Desert” is the pinnacle, wait until you hear “The Underworld Awaits Us All”—it will change your mind. As the album’s title track, it had to be remarkable, and it truly is. Like the previous track, “The Underworld Awaits Us All” is a full brutal death metal experience but with an impressive guitar solo that captivates any listener. “The Underworld Awaits Us All” features a more technical arrangement than all the other songs, but it is also densely packed with energy, even for the wildest mosh-pit goers.
After all the power delivered throughout the album, “Lament for the Destruction of Time” emerges with an apocalyptic mood. This instrumental-only song mixes the best of NILE’s work, with a dramatic pace that evokes the aftermath of battlefields. “Lament for the Destruction of Time” is an epic finale that closes our witchery imagination in Egyptian sceneries.
This highly anticipated album pays off NILE’s 5-year hiatus from the stages. “The Underworld Awaits Us All” follows their majestic formula of archaic ferocity, reassuring that NILE still is that essential brutal death metal act that defines the genre.
Written by Hector Sanchez
TRACKLIST
- Stelae of Vultures
- Chapter for Not Being Hung Upside Down on a Stake in the Underworld and Made to Eat Feces by the Four Apes
- To Strike with Secret Fang
- Naqada II Enter the Golden Age
- The Pentagrammathion of Nephren-Ka
- Overlords of the Black Earth
- Under the Curse of the One God
- Doctrine of Last Things
- True Gods of the Desert
- The Underworld Awaits Us All
- Lament for the Destruction of Time
LINEUP
Karl Sanders | guitars, vocals, keyboards
Brian Kingsland | guitars, vocals
Zach Jeter | guitars, vocals
Dan Vadim Von | bass
George Kollias | drums
LABEL
Napalm Records
