CRUCIAMENTUM “Engulfed In Desolation” MLP

CRUCIAMENTUM (UK) “Engulfed In Desolation” MLP (Nuclear Winter Records) 12e

If Dead Congregation are the kings of darkest death metal, then Cruciamentum are in full armor by their sides. They also are signed on Nuclear Winter Records which is the label of Anastasis, D.C.’s mastermind. Makes sense.

“There’s Grave Miasma members helping out, but it’s better than Grave Miasma!”. I found this statement to be bold when I was first introduced to Cruciamentum, especially since I was on a strong “Realm Of Evoked Doom” trip back at the time. Then “Convocation Of Crawling Chaos”, the 2009 demo pressed on vinyl and CD by N.W.R., came crushing down on me…

It was note for note such a stellar release, that I couldn’t figure out how Cruciamentum could get any better. Yet they did. “Engulfed In Desolation” is not only better produced (with mastering by James Plotkin), but its 4 tracks  are more fierce. The cover artwork, this time designed by Daniel Desecrator (“Convocation…” was done by Witchrist’s Alexander L.Brown), sets the tone for a grim, immersing journey.Indeed, the material is soaked in an epic vibe which stronger than before and extremely imposing. This is a tour de force, a record that stands proudly amongst the very best death metal ever unleashed. A fucking masterpiece indeed.

Collector data:

• Includes lyric insert.
• Pressed in 45 RPM for maximum sound quality.
• Comes in a protective plastic bag.
• Black inner sleeve.

~ by Πάνος Αγόρος on March 11, 2012.