I've been following the Netherlands-based death metal outfit Supreme Pain since its debut in 2008.  I've enjoyed each new release more than the last as Supreme Pain has improved by leaps and bounds with every album.  The group's third and newest, Divine Incarnation, is easily its most fully-formed and strongest album yet.

Supreme Pain plays death metal that is similar to the traditional Floridian style of the nineties.  It's heavy, catchy, and precise without being overly technical.  Despite having members of bands like Sinister and Infinited Hate in its ranks, Supreme Pain does not feel like a side project.  This is a real band, and Divine Incarnation proves that this crew can hang with pretty much any other death metal group playing this style today.  Generally speaking, Divine Incarnation does initially come off as pretty standard death metal, but each song has something special to catch the listener's attention from the get-go.  "Damned Creation" and "Trapped in Heresy" utilize strong Slayer-esque grooves that are hard to resist.  The ringing open notes in "Treasonous Disease," the rhythmic shifts in "Divine Incarnation," and the bass work in "The Fallen Kingdom" all standout beginning with the listener's initial pass through the album.  The songs as a whole will grow on the listener gradually with each repeated visit.  Eventually, what begins as just another decent death metal album becomes a collection of songs that stick with you.  I find myself returning to Divine Incarnation relatively often.  That's saying something with all of the similar CDs I already have sitting on my shelf.  My only true complaint about Divine Incarnation is that the album is overly long.  Once I've listened to this release from start to finish, I'm completely satisfied.  I don't feel the need to spin the album again immediately.  I personally prefer it if an album is of such great quality and just the right length that I can't wait to hear it again.  If Divine Incarnation was trimmed slightly, I'd probably be more anxious to hear it again right away.  Nevertheless, I still find myself returning to this album several times each week. 

If you are a fan of bands like Sinister and Infinited Hate that stick to the traditional death metal formula and do it well, then Divine Incarnation is for you.  If you like Supreme Pain's previous releases, you will truly be impressed with this new album.  It takes the production and song-writing of the previous album, Nemesis Enforcer, and improves it ten-fold.  Fans of classic nineties death metal should give Divine Incarnation the chance it deserves.  If you want something ground-breaking, this ain't it.  If you want a kick ass death metal album, you just found one.

TRACK LISTING

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

1.  Dawn of a New Era
2.  The Dark Army
3.  Damned Creation
4.  Treasonous Disease
5.  Trapped in Heresy
6.  Spiritual Sickness
7.  Divine Incarnation
8.  Putrefied Beauty
9.  The Fallen Kingdom
10.  Towards Hell

Total playing time: 47:35

Release Date: October 25, 2011
Label: Massacre Records

Supreme Pain - Divine Incarnation

Reviewer: Rowell47

February 4, 2012