Usurpress – Ordained

Releasedate: 2014; Label: Doomentia
By: Sabine van Gameren

The Swedish Usurpress is not much of a stranger for they have since their formation in 2010 released a number of releases. Though they recently released their second full length which is called: “Ordained”.

Old School Death is the basis for Usurpress but with the slower parts included the band has a bunch of Doom influences in board as well. Not really a surprise to see their new release is brought by Doomentia Records, where they suit quite well.
Surprisingly you find a flutist guesting on this release, something you would not have expected perhaps but brings an interesting touch to the sound. It seems like the band is experimenting with their sound, not completely sure where they will end up but open to try things and having that creative process documented on “Ordained”. It’s dark and evil but this time the guys played around with it.
For Lord of the Rings fans there is the track “Lóthlorien” to listen which was originally recorded in 1970 by Bo Hansson, but there are many more highlights to find in this release.

“Ordained” is a release that brings some surprises. It has its strength and power and yet it combines some fresh elements.

Line up:
Steffe Pettersson – vocals
Påhl Sundström – guitar
Calle Lönnberg – drums
Daniel Ekeroth – bass

Tracklist: 01. The Heart of the Last Kingdom 02. Storming the Mausoleum 03. The Undeification 04. Fire in the Minds of Men 05. Insignia of Illumination 06. Ritual Warfare 07. The Eyeless Spectator 08. Fan the Flames of Madness 09. Lóthlorien (Bo Hansson cover) 10. Deny Salvation (Wolf-Like Dogs) 11. Embracing the Vultures 12. As the Monolith Comes Alive

Links:
Usurpress Facebook