Review: Nile's "Those Whom The Gods Detest"

I’ve been listening to the forthcoming Nile album “Those Who The Gods Detest” for a few days now.

The album is due out on November 3rd in the US, November 6th in Europe with a making of documentary confirmed for inclusion in the album.

Read more for my impressions.

Nile has always been a band that has defied expectations and pushes the boundaries of experimentation and Those Whom The Gods Detest is the best example of that willingness to expand their signature crushing sound further.

The title track Kafir! is Nile personified, an intense war march with the cry “There is no God!” carrying the the song along with Middle Eastern vocalization, instrumental breaks backed by drummer George Kollias’ relentless percussion and the always welcome Dallas/Karl solos.

Other highlights include the title track, one where Dallas and Karl take an opportunity to melodically growl “WE ARE THEY WHOM THE GODS DETEST!” a first for a Nile recordand an enjoyable one at that, “4th Arra of Dagon“, the instrumental Yezd Desert Ghul Ritual in the Abandoned Towers of Silence, Hittite Dung Incantation and Iskander D’hul Karnon.

The rest of the record revels in its improved production and sonic depth, no doubt helped by the assistance of Erik Rutan, formerly of Cannibal Corpse as the record speeds though quite quickly despite the long running times of the songs.

The recent announcement of a behind the scenes feature covering the making of the album will turn this into a must buy for many dedicated fans, as it will allow those interested to see how the creative process led to this varied, powerful and masterful work from the torchbearers of self described “Ithyphallic death metal.”

I wholeheartedly recommend this album to metal fan and non-metal fan alike, simply due to the level of musicianship and diversity on display.

Pre-Order Those Whom The Gods Detest from Amazon