Album Review: Blood Incantation - All Gates Open
Reviewed by Patrick O'Reilly
Blood Incantation have been one of modern-day death metal’s true revelations, a band of supreme musicianship, creative talent and real visionaries. Their mastery of cosmic death metal has come naturally and organically since the release of their self-titled demo in 2013 up to the grandiose and progressive ‘Absolute Elsewhere’ album receiving critical acclaim upon its release in 2024.
The recording of this revolutionary album was captured on camera and became the film ‘All Gates Open’ a 73-minute odyssey into the bands’ creative processes and conjuration of their opus. Released with the three CD/Blu-ray versions of the album, it was a rare treat for fans of the band and a glimpse into the space ways where such an album is conceived.
This album that is being reviewed is the soundtrack to that movie, another treat for fans of the band as it is even more material spewing forth from the great nebula that is Blood Incantation, although it is not death metal in any shape or form, it’s actually an ambient record of such exquisite beauty it will take you beyond the stars.
This is not the first time the band have released such material, 2022’s ‘Timewave Zero’ was also an ambient release, showing these space cadets can turn their hand to multiple genres.
‘All Gates Open’ soundtrack consists of four songs, ‘Balance’, ‘Flight’, ‘Dawn’ and ‘Rain’, ‘Dawn’ being a short five min track whilst the others clock in at between 13 and 20 minutes
‘Balance’ is light and airy, evoking images of a spacewalk and watching the sun (or suns depending on which galaxy you are in) rise around the edge of nearby planets. It is ethereal and bright, giving off harmonious vibes.
‘Flight’ is more upbeat, especially towards the end where a drum machine is introduced and brings to mind sailing through space in some kind of futuristic ship. Hurtling through the stars on a mission, possibly with the fate of mankind hanging in the balance!
‘Dawn’ is dominated by an organ, though one of a cosmic rather than religious nature. Its drone echoing around the universe, calling all beings to attention.
And closer ‘Rain’ brings all elements of the album together, mixing synth and acoustic guitar to yield an explosion of emotion and feeling, rather like a drought being broken on a distant arid planet.
Synths dominate proceedings and have a beautiful tone from the aforementioned organ like thrumming to more delicate and crystalline sounds.
All of Blood Incantation’s work is a vessel for transportation, and this is no exception, so settle back into the cockpit, set controls for the heart of the sun and enjoy.
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