INCANTATION

Cliches can be tiresome but they have their place. One of the more common in metal journalism is “this is a band that needs no introduction”. Well, that one is spot on when it comes to INCANTATION, because they are one of the most influential death metal bands to exist. I’ve lost count of bands using the “cavernous” style of DM pioneered by these veterans, who have performing this sort of gruesome low-fi brutality for well over 30 years.

2023 sees INCANTATION releasing their newest audio atrocity, “Unholy Deification”. Not only that, but there is now a considerable amount of younger bands playing in INCANTATION style that have achieved real popularity. After lean years in the early 2000’s, it has to be most gratifying for John McEntee and his band of butchers to get such respect.

I’ve talked to John before, but this time, my interview puts me in contact with bass player Chuck Sherwood, whose intelligent yet sinister lyrics have really given the band a boost. Fortunately for us all, he had plenty to say about the resurgence of INCANTATION...

WORMWOOD CHRONICLES: Hails to INCANTATION and thanks for talking to us! Is is safe to safe that your new album “Unholy Deification” is the most ambitious that you’ve ever been involved with?

CHUCK SHERWOOD: Greetings, I think we all approach each album with the same dedication and desire as death metal is essentially ingrained in our lives. Noteworthy would be not the ambition (that's ever present) but the passion and joy we all collectively shared during the writing and performances of this album in particular. Just an honor to be amongst such talented and likeminded friends. Hope it translates as such when folks listen to this new album..... we all made this something truly special in our eyes.

WC:. I know that Chuck Sherwood now drives the lyrical concepts for INCANTATION. The band used to be known for all-out blasphemy but now seems to be more thoughtful with its ideas. Was it just Chuck’s idea to move in this direction or did the whole band agree on it?

CS: It was a dread for us all to write lyrics at the time and I tend to write quite often when inspired. With a wealth of them completed at our disposal we all figured it was a way to relieve the other guys and have myself take on the responsibility. It was wholly a collective input when I first joined. Have been contributing since 08', more solely since "Profane Nexus".

WC: Without giving too much away, what’s the main story and concept being told on the album? And does the story conclude here or will it continue into the future? 

CS: “Unholy Deification” is an apotheosis essentially, in multiple stages (song by song) derived from ritual magic. From summoning a spectral guide, banishments, words of power to appeasing the elemental forces with sacrifice by ritual circles and altars. Utilizing male and female qualities to produce a homunculus that will embody a deity... graven, feared, worshiped, and ultimately a dominant force over all life and death. Being in stark contrast ethically to known religions, it is evil incarnate. 

Similar to another concept I wrote, "Elysium". More an opus yet complete as it was. Likewise with this...the concept has no future beyond this release. 

WC: Was the concept behind “Unholy Deification” something that came together fairly quickly or was it years in the making?

CS: Took a year plus to research, compile notes, write, (rewrite), edit, add a rhyme scheme, and dialog between the "acolyte and entities". Syncopation was done by us all to meld them to the music and ultimately to what one will hear on the album.

WC:  The song titles are pretty unique. There seems to be a main title, a subtitle in parentheses and then a Roman numeral. I noticed that the Roman numerals don’t seem to be in exact order. What’s the idea behind the song titles?

CS: Each chapter (denoted by Roman numerals) is pertinent to the overall concept and a journey for the listener along the stages of development of a mortal to a celestial existence. Initially intended as one word titles, the parentheses portions are a brief description of the song’s contents. Two of the singles  "Concordat" and "Invocation" are the beginning and end respectively. Providing a taste of the exploration yet to come, for the those willing to explore that angle.

We felt the overall sound and flow of the album demanded it to be in the order in which you'll hear it. As another option, one can listen to it in chapter order to experience the album in another way and read along the journey via LP, CD etc. Providing options for the casual listener to those willing to dig deeper. 

WC: I think the cover art to this new album is the best I’ve ever seen for INCANTATION. Did you work closely with Elian Kantor or did you pretty much just let him have free reign?

CS: Eliran and I have worked in tandem through the last three albums. He’s an incredible and patient master of his craft who is never unwilling to provide his knowledge and expertise to a piece we all can be proud of. In this world of AI we are just honored to have a talented professional who's reputation has only grown over the years and for good reason. Couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.

WC: What exactly is being portrayed on the cover? It has a very Lovecraftian look.

CS: Wish I could say it was Lovecraftian as H.P Lovecraft is by far my favorite author. Sadly, not in this case, occult horror perhaps ... but not Wilbur's brother calling forth Yog Soggoth in the skies.

The being seen is the very embodiment of the work achieved by the acolyte in the album. The not quite existing, shadowy deity brought forth to be worshipped and feared where all life must pass to oblivion.

WC:  Musically, the album has short and brutal songs, much like the previous album. Is the band more comfortable with these type of tracks as opposed to the longer, doom-laden tunes?

CS: I think I can speak for all when I say this. We were very comfortable with the entire writing process. All elements have their place, be it doom, more aggressive or straightforward. Like any of our previous releases the nature of the songs takes a life of its own. Only after when compiled do we choose what complements a certain album. This was no different. When the writing is so productive as it's been, excess gets reserved for later times while the flow of the particular focus gets the attention.

WC: Was the recording process pretty much the same as previous records or did you experiment with things a bit more than usual?

CS: I cannot speak for all but I am certain that having Luke Shively's expertise on this album had certainly presented more options in the recording. He has a vast technical knowledge and musical experience in layering rhythms, writing harmonies, solos and his work has been revitalizing to the band as a whole. There were a number of experimental aspects via "gang vocals" on "Circle", multi tracked guitars and vocals for atmosphere, to the overall compliments each of us made. We hope that they're noticed and appreciated as much as we had in its creation.

WC: In the last couple of years, the more raw and primitive death metal has become a lot more popular, with new bands like FROZEN SOUL and UNDEATH doing well. Are we coming into a new era for this type of music, do you think?

CS:  I noticed that... the similarly styled "CAVEMAN CULT" was an honor to tour with, and their response was very positive, both by ourselves and those attending. Eras fluctuate, with all their ebbs and flows. I could never anticipate or predict. What new reigning interest surfaces is far beyond my control.

WC: Do you follow any of the newer bands and if so, who impresses you? 

CS: One that comes to mind is "OMEGA VORTEX", violent work which wreaks of NECROVORE. Very impressive 

WC: You’ve been back with Relapse Records for a good while now. Are things better with them the second time around as compared to your first run with them?

CS: Not being around the first time, I'm not at liberty to say. But the relationship is overwhelmingly supportive from my experience. I'm in awe at how transparent they are, no question goes unanswered and barely ever asked (a testament to the attentiveness). Have had a many great interactions with those folks, briefly or extensively. They provide us with the support I only hoped to have received in the past... I'm proud to be part of it all.

WC: What live plans do you have for “Unholy Deification”?

CS: Plans are already in motion. Be certain this material will come to the stage to crush skulls... you've been warned.

WC: Is there any location you haven’t played yet that you’re dying to visit?

CS: Wherever it takes us honestly. The world is meant to be seen. Revisits on the other hand, are always welcome too.

WC: If you could have dinner with any 3 people from history, who would they be?

CS: Hahaha Only three? Julius Caesar, Cliff Burton, Lovecraft.... any of my ancestors would be cool if the others were unavailable. (I must be honest and admit it will be hard to get any of these folks around.--Dr. M)

WC: Any last words for the faithful?

CS: Thank you for your support and dedication.

INCANTATION