Onward to Golgotha (1992) - Incantation

 

Released on May 5, 1992, Onward to Golgotha is the debut studio album by American death metal legends Incantation. Widely regarded as one of the most influential records in death metal history, the album’s grim atmosphere, cavernous production, and crushing riffs established Incantation as pioneers of the genre’s darker and more oppressive side.

Tracklist:

1. Golgotha – 4:40
2. Devoured Death – 2:19
3. Blasphemous Cremation – 4:26
4. Rotting Spiritual Embodiment – 4:57
5. Unholy Massacre – 5:06
6. Entrantment of Evil – 2:55
7. Christening the Afterbirth – 5:33
8. Immortal Cessation – 3:26
9. Profanation – 5:38
10. Deliverance of Horrific Prophecies – 4:54
11. Eternal Torture – 3:56

Onward to Golgotha is the sound of death metal dragged into a hellish abyss. With Craig Pillard’s guttural vocals and John McEntee’s bleak, downtuned riffing, the album exudes a suffocating atmosphere that feels both ancient and unrelenting.

The opening track, “Golgotha,” sets the tone with its slow, oppressive crawl, immediately immersing the listener in the band’s sinister world. “Devoured Death” speeds things up, delivering an unrelenting barrage of riffs and chaotic drumming. Tracks like “Rotting Spiritual Embodiment” and “Blasphemous Cremation” highlight Incantation’s ability to alternate between devastatingly slow, doom-laden sections and furious death metal onslaughts.

The album’s centerpiece, “Unholy Massacre,” showcases Incantation’s mastery of atmosphere and tension, with haunting leads weaving through a dense wall of riffs. The closer, “Eternal Torture,” ends the album on a devastating note, leaving the listener overwhelmed by its sheer weight and intensity.

Onward to Golgotha is a landmark album that epitomizes the darker side of death metal. It’s not just about speed or technicality; it’s about creating an oppressive, otherworldly atmosphere. Tracks like “Rotting Spiritual Embodiment,” “Unholy Massacre,” and “Blasphemous Cremation” are some of my favorites, each offering a glimpse into the band’s macabre brilliance.

This is an album that demands your full attention. It’s an unrelenting assault on the senses, but for those who embrace its darkness, Onward to Golgotha is a transcendent experience. Even decades after its release, it remains a cornerstone of death metal, influencing countless bands while retaining its unholy aura.