Ithyphallic

The latest release from the death metal outfit, Nile, has raised the bar once again. Their latest release, "Ithyphallic" delivers with intricate guitar work, creative time signatures and surprisingly melodic undertones really make the listener connect with the albums title.


These North Carolina natives combine the death metal genre with themes of ancient Egyptian mysticism and use of B.C. era instruments. With band leader, Karl Sanders, on vocals, guitars and other miscellaneous instruments, Dallas Toler: guitars/vocals, and Geoge Kollias: drums and percussion. These 3 mesh very well together. Each of them is a master of their instrument. For example, Kollias is said to be able to drum faster a few beats per minute above humanly possible. This is their sixth release in the past 9 years and is by far the strongest thus far.

"Ithyphallic" (2007) really breaks the mold of death metal as a whole. Using more odd timing and transitions than most bands they know how to keep the listener interested throughout the entire song. This album takes a more melodic approach than some of their others. With songs like, "The Essential Salts", a song entailing a ritual practice where a mummy is bolied in order to reanimate the dead, combines a fast delivery of guitar and vocals with an interesting melodic undertone. The last minute of the song changes from low muddy guitar into a 3 guitar hamony on an asending scale. Another track worth listening to would have to be "Papyrus Containing The Spell To Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks From He Who Is In The Water". Despite it's lengthy title, the song is a fast and technical wonder. Although one of the shorter songs on the album, "Papyrus" uses tempo changes and Kollias' drums to keep the song moving at all times.
So overall. Nile's "Ithyphallic"? Best death metal album in 2007. Period.