Imperishable - Revelation In Purity

Imperishable is a blackened death metal band based in South Carolina, who formed in 2020.  “Revelation In Purity,” is their debut full-length album.  I knew going in this would be a tight album, considering the pedigree of those involved.  Alex Rush (Enthean, Olkoth), Brian Kingsland (Enthean, Nile) and Derek Roddy (Council of the Fallen, Khavar, ex-Hate Eternal, ex-Malevolent Creation) are all involved.  

“Revelation In Purity,” is an interesting album to me because it sounds pretty similar to what I imagined it might be.  After jamming it quite a bit, I have to say my original thoughts hold true but with the added bonus of the blackened elements which, while not unexpected, for some didn’t enter into my original thoughts as to what the band might conjure up.  The clean vocals were also not on my radar, although I have no complaints about their tasteful incorporation. 

Although the members’ own bands have an obvious influence on them, the album definitely displays a band working successfully hard to achieve their own identity even as they bring a wealth of knowledge from prior bands to the forefront.

I’m impressed with the production—the album sounds fantastic without being glossy.  Every instrument is perfectly placed into the mix and that’s always a good thing to me because my ever-aging ears don’t have to fight to hear them.  The rhythm section is strong and has a killer presence in the songs.  

I appreciate the flow of the album as well.  The seven songs have a runtime of just over 32 minutes, which is within the 30-to-40-minute sweet spot for music of this style.  It’s long enough to feel complete yet doesn’t overstay it’s welcome.  Not that it would be an issue anyway mind you considering how well written each song is.

The album opens with the instant whiplash of “Oath of Disgust.”  Within seconds the song packs more energy and punishment that some albums have in their entirety.  The aforementioned cleans soon make their appearance and it’s a smooth transition, with their usage taking nothing from the brutal nature of the music but adding atmosphere that works so well. 

The riffs in the title track feel like they will snap in half at any moment, such is their focus and ferocity.  I like how the song is groovy but doesn’t overdo it, allowing it to help bridge the gaps between the carnage.  The second half of the song effectively combines those elements with the murky atmosphere of black metal—atmospheric without actually being an atmospheric band, reminding me loosely of albums like Immolation’s “Harnessing Ruin,” some of Suffocation’s mid period pieces at least in terms of overall vibe/mood.

“Iniquity,” is one of my favorites because the band welds clean tones and clean instrumentation into their tapestry of punishment in a way that seems surprising yet feels right at home.  The more methodical riffage and the bass both absolutely slap while the drums complement each different piece while keeping a sterling foundation implanted.  This song is a fantastic overview of what the album is all about.

The final song, “The Enduring Light of Irreverence,” is the longest song on the album at nearly 7 and a half minutes.  The longer structure gives the band more time to really focus on atmosphere and piecing together pieces of their extremity into this monstrous form.  The dismal and sullen blackened aspects come to the surface, like a drowned, bloated body being in the water too long.  The ripple effect is evident, as the song flows smoothly through dark passages, blistering moments of ripping solos, and a bass/drum performance not soon forgotten. 

All in all, Imperishable’s “Revelation In Purity,” is a striking debut album that is as brutal as one might expect but is able to include elements some bands might shy away while making it work in deadly ways. 

Rating: Excellent