One of the many great things about Impaled Nazarene is that you always know exactly where you stand with them. A respected 17 years on from the now classic debut ‘Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz’ these legendary Finnish titans show no signs of slowing, and have in fact with brand spanking new album ‘Manifest’ produced what is undoubtedly the best in their career to date. Incorporating a volatile concoction of Black, Thrash, Death, Punk and Grindcore ‘Manifest’ is most certainly their most varied release, often slowing the pace down to a sewer-like crawl as shown on ‘Funeral For Despicable Pigs’ and album closer and highlight ‘Dead Return’.
With a rich and organic production that thankfully avoids the use of drum triggers (Hellhammer, take note) the faster material is able to cut through with a degree of clarity not often heard with this kind of music. The raging ‘Planet Nazarene’ and the Punk/Crust/Grind of ‘Pathogen’ are shining examples of classic Impaled Nazarene at their best, while the solid chug of ‘Pandemia’ and the almost anthemic Thrash of ‘The Calling’ tread fresher though no less savage pastures. To further the sense of aggression that runs ripe underneath each and every song on this album is Mika’s unmistakable rasp, which as it happens is his best performance thus far. Incorporating the odd Death grunt on ‘Original Pig Rig’ and the aforementioned ‘Funeral For Despicable Pigs’ has done wonders for this material, furthering the sense that this is a band not willing to repeat the same formula for a tenth time running.
While some songs (‘Dead Return’) may surprise long standing Impaled Nazarene fans used to the non stop speed of say ‘Latex Cult’ or ‘Pro Patria Finlandia’, do not fret as there are enough goat and Satan references to satisfy even the most wary of listeners. All you need to know is that it’s fast, it’s furious and it’s more pissed off than ever, which accumulates into yet another mighty fine album from one of the genres most respected acts.
