You wouldn't really expect black metal from somewhere like New Haven, Connecticut, but that's exactly where Ipsissimus (props to the odd yet unique name) come from. In addition, the band is newly signed to Metal Blade Records, also not a place known for black metal bands on their roster. Seeing as how the US Black Metal scene is growing, with bands such as Abigail Williams, Wolves in the Throne Room, Agalloch, Absu, Nachtmystium, Kult ov Azazel, and others really making names for themselves within the genre, it's actually a great move for the label to snatch up a young band like this, who appear to have plenty of potential. The Way of Descent is raw, powerful, and completely old school. Forget keyboards and folk instruments, this is black metal that pays homage to the Norwegian legends like Mayhem, Gorgoroth, Emperor, Immortal, and Darkthrone. Lengthy songs filled with hateful rasps & screams, pummeling blast beats, and frenzied, savage tremelo picked guitar riffs, Ipsissimus bludgeon the listener with evil tracks like "The Second Secret Of Fatima", "Hodos Autapophaseos", and "Monakhourgia / The Prince Of Tyre", with no letup in sight. Despite the ferocity & raw nature of The Way of Descent, the production values are quite good, and there's a high level of musicality and even melody present, which paired with the brutal nature makes for an engaging listening experience.
The future of US black metal has been looking quite promising in recent years, and with Ipsissmus now in the spotlight, things are even brighter. The Way of Descent shows a boatload of promise, and I'll bet bigger and better things are to come from this New Haven lot.
Track Listing
1. The First Secret Of Fatima 5:44
2. Monakhourgia / The Prince Of Tyre 9:30
3. The Second Secret Of Fatima 8:13
4. The Alchemist's Goatthrone 6:31
5. The Third Secret Of Fatima 7:39
6. Hodos Autapophaseos 6:52
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
