You would think that some ancient pharaoh had just walked in the room by the way "The Blessed Dead" starts off. After the regal intrance theme the band comes in full swing. Tony Laureano has drum fills for days on this track not to mention his blasting...damn!
Karl Sanders and Dallas Wade play their guts out on guitar. They trade off howling solos throughout In Their Darkened Shrines while crafting that haunting "egyptian" sound Nile is so well known for. The whole three vocal attack works great too.
The songs on this record all seem like they are heading off to some never ending death metal plateau and it amazing how the band meshes together without drowning each other out. The song that showcases all of the bands talents and their knack for that huge/epic sound is "Unas Slayer of the Gods." Its 11 mins long and will blow your mind. This record is brutal yet technical and filled with some of the most interesting lyrics noone will ever understand. Go listen for yourself then give praise to NILE!
Standout tracks:
The Blessed Dead
Sarcophagus
Unas Slayer of the Gods
Churning the Maelstrom