Year: 2020
Time: 42:58
Label: Self-Financed

IMPALEMENT comes from Switzerland and is Beliath’s one-man band (plays everything in the album except from the drums) who also plays bass in the Black Metal band MOR DAGOR and since 2013, is the live guitarist for the well-known German Black Metallers NARGAROTH. IMPALEMENT has been active since 2019 and has been introduced to us this year with their debut album “The Impalement”, which is a musical storm of Death/Black Metal.

In case the album’s cover reminds you of BELPHEGOR this isn’t happening by luck, as the Swiss love them a lot. This admiration is also reflected in the record’s compositions and we could consider IMPALEMENT as BELPHEGOR’s spiritual child. The album is a raw and aggressive Death/Black Metal attack with some melodies that are influenced by the mighty DISSECTION. Unfortunately, the album’s negative characteristic is that the similarities are so pronounced with the Austrians (even in the production of the record) that some listeners may find it disturbing…

This record seems to be a good start for IMPALEMENT with promises for the future, although they will have to work on their weaknesses in order to be improved in their next album. Certainly, if they want to stand out, they will have to leave aside the similarities with BELPHEGOR’s sound and add a personal identity to their compositions. Those of you who are fans of the Austrian Death/Metal veterans, check the album as it will leave you satisfied!

Rating: 6.5/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: IMPALEMENT – Facebook Page