When the pillars of a Genre are forged on certain bands legacies it makes it that much more special when they continue to put out quality bar raising content for what is soon to be thirty years. Formed in South Carolina in 1993 Death Metal legend outfit Nile was born, and in 2019 they released what could potentially go down as album of the year for. After their 2009 release “Those Whom the Gods Detest” I feel the production of the following two releases just didn’t do them or their pure talent justice. Vocals were muddy, guitars were cluttered, and worst of all the drums were just bland and inaudible. A lot of the production was just not great for a band that requires such high standard mixing.
Fear not my metal brethren “Vile Nilotic Rites” up’s the ante back to what we’re used to. The Production is so crisp and clear, vocally and instrumentally it leaves nothing left to be desired to the listener’s ear. Absolutely searing guitar lines mixed with one of the best drummers on the planet in George Kollias you have what could be one of Nile’s best releases to date front to back. Kollias has always been one of my favorite drummers. His ability to blend technicality and simplistic drumming together is absolutely perfect. Yes, the tempos may be quite high but he is without a doubt the master of being able to stay in the pocket and keep the grooves flowing.
After Dallas Toler-Wade’s departure I was unsure what direction the writing would go, but my own fault was doubting Carl Sanders. He is the mastermind behind the entity that is Nile. As aforementioned, a lineup change was made after “What Should Not Be Unearthed”. Enter guitarist Brian Kingsland and bassist Brad Parris. Kingsland seems to be a perfect replacement for the departed Wade. He offers brutally technical riffing and clear mid punched gutturals quickly becoming one of my favorite musicians. Parris offers nothing short of immaculate bass lines while adding more to the vocal side of the band.
I tried something different with this review. I didn’t mention any particular songs to focus on. Instead I want listeners to listen to this album from front to back and truly take in how great this band is and has been since their inception. We are witnessing musical royalty in front of our eyes. I do hope you all enjoy this album as much as I have.
10/10 hands down. I’d rate it better if it was at all possible.
Review by: Aaron
Label – Nuclear Blast Records
Release Date – 11/1/2019
Genre – Death Metal
Band Members:
Karl Sanders – Guitar/Vocals
George Kollias – Drums
Brad Parris – Bass/Vocals
Brian Kingsland – Guitar/Vocal
Tracklist:
1. Long Shadows of Dread
2. Oxford Handbook of Savage Genocidal Warfare
3. Vile Nilotic Rites
4. Seven Horns of War
5. That Which is Forbidden
6. Snake Pit Mating Frenzy
7. Reven in their Suffering
8. Thus Sayeth the Parasites of the Mind
9. Where is the Wrathful Sky
10. The Imperishable Stars are Sickened
11. We are Cursed
