Within the last week or so, I have been fastidiously compiling my favorite records of 2011 for this webzine. Being the Metal geek that I am, it was almost an obsessive process; the ‘battle between albums’ was constantly on my mind, and some bands on the list exchanged places more than once. Finally, I determined that there were no more Metal records that could make my top ten. It was pretty much etched in stone. Then, my good friend Tino introduced me to RITUAL NECROMANCY. Behold another highlight for 2011! Stylistically, this American band reeks strongly of the first two INCANTATION records, but RITUAL NECROMANCY can by no means be called a clone. For one, the grinds are faster (YES!!), and they use a horrible and filthy, sawing guitar sound à la DISMEMBER. Punishing. Then there are the natural, caveman drums pummeling from the caves of Hell, and the occasional mutilating guitar solos slashing from out of nowhere (sounding as if Kerry King guests from 1985). The lo-fi and subterranean production is one of the best elements of “Oath Of The Abyss”, which most of the today’s INCANTATION – influenced bands have overlooked. After all, the very appeal of “Onward To Golgotha” and “Mortal Throne Of Nazarene” was their dismal-sounding atmospherics… Excessively cruel and raw, this is not an album suitable to hear in your car! Make no mistake though, “Oath Of The Abyss” is a true underground gem, made for fiends who crave the old darkness and hatred that is all too seldom found these days. www.myspace.com/ritualnecromancy