"Ritual death musick." This is Encoffination's self-description. Frankly, I'm not sure how much "ritual death musick" I've listened to in my day, but I can't imagine a more concise depiction of Ritual Ascension Beyond Flesh. Taking cues from the early doom metal acts of the 90's, Encoffination employs lo-fi production, sludgy chords, relentless speed picking, driving double bass, nearly inaudibly low growls, dark and ambient atmosphere, and, of course, the prerequisite funeral pace of doom metal to create what can only be described as the musical equivalent of hell.
As previously stated, Encoffination isn't doing anything that wasn't already done 20 years ago; interludes of horror movie samples over haunting ambience and pseudo-tribal drumming don't exactly scream originality in doom metal. However, they do this with impeccable craftsmanship, creating an album which vicariously drags you through the depths of hell. The duo of Ghoat's guitar onslaught and Elektrokutioner's drumming isn't looking to win the award for "Most Innovative/Technically Proficient/Shredding Rhythm Section". Rather, each note's entire purpose is to create a holistic, all-encompassing atmosphere of evil. While this approach does lead to monotony at times, they achieve their goal flawlessly with paramount sincerity.
If you're looking for death metal to groove and scream along with, look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for demonic work of art equivalent to Dante's Inferno, you're in for quite a ride.
Track Listing
1. Procession
2. Nefarious Yet Elegant Are the Bowels of Hell
3. Miasma of Rotten Serenity
4. Eucharist of Bone and Flame
5. Interlude
6. Beyond the Grace of Flesh Go I
7. Entombment of the Breathing Flesh
8. Coffinpsalms
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