Nile have been kicking up sandstorms for over a decade and their last release Annihilation of the Wicked saw them reach a new level in their exposure and popularity. Back with Ithyphallic on a new record label with greater reach and a musical culture more in kind with their style of mayhem; Nile are hoping to climb yet another rung on the ladder to mass domination. Will they continue their evolution?
Many bands recently are going for a more raw and natural sounding production; Nile has selected to do the inverse. More spatially controlled and iPod friendly, there is a slight increase in overall volume and clarity-- resulting in a CD that makes it easier to discern both the vocals and drums. It could be said that the band wanted their sonic picture to be a little more in focus this time around. On the downside…It steals a little from the overall excitement factor of the last release. Inevitably, they had to rob Peter to pay Paul. I am sure there were many rounds of debate over this production; which is not "dramatically" different from the last release.
The songs, though not as anciently textured, represent the best of progressive death metal. They are brutal, complex and well focused as they navigate their way through impossibly fast blast beats and rhythmic chaos. Wade and Sanders may very well be the reigning champions in duo lead guitar in death metal. From harmonized leads to dueling solos they are always a good listen and this release is no exception. If you need any proof, 'Papyrus' (instrumental bonus track) shows just how effective the two of them can be in both rhythm and lead in the space of one song. The band is commended for mixing up the dynamics in the music as found in the title song 'Ithyphallic'. Here you find them grinding it out Monotheist style in the second half of the tune to great effect and certainly one of the highlights of the entire disc. Oh, as for the blasts ("What Can Be Safely Written"), don't worry; they blow your damn horns off! These instances show that the band does not need to rely on samples for texture and longevity.
Nile is a band capable of being so proficiently extreme that they are really in a league of their own. This record may not be quite as memorable as the last, but it is certainly worthy of a certain level of distinction. Fans of the band need not worry because it's all here and then some.
Track listing
1. "What Can Be Safely Written"
2. "As He Creates So He Destroys"
3. "Ithyphallic"
4. "Papyrus Containing the Spell to Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks From He Who Is in the Water"
5. "Eat of the Dead"
6. "Laying Fire Upon Apep"
7. "The Essential Salts"
8. "The Infinity of Stone"
9. "The Language of the Shadows"
10. "Even the Gods Must Die"
11. As He Creates So He Destroys" (instrumental)
12. "Papyrus Containing the Spell to Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks From He Who Is in the Water" (instrumental)
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