Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Incantation - Diabolical Conquest (1998)

In a discography of varying quality of output, Diabolical Conquest might just be the best record Incantation have ever released.  This is in no small part down to Daniel Corchado (of The Chasm) delivering a sterling performance instead of original vocalist Craig Pillard who had by album number four departed from the band.  Corchado also played guitar and bass here too and he (and indeed the whole band) sound sharp and on top of their game.  The bass thunks and rumbles throughout and gives a real sense of atmosphere and threat to the tracks.

Gone are the more murky elements to the band's sound, even the more doom-laden sections are more coherent somehow with the riffs sounding clear and imposing as opposed to lost in some maelstrom of chaotic mixing.  As a result there's an edge of optimism to the sound on the album, not happy smiley-face optimism, more of a satisfaction that the band is working as a unit and ideas are coming to fruition well.

Losing none of their trademark power and baleful atmosphere, Incantation kind of cleaned up their act somewhat on Diabolical Conquest but still were instantly recognisable as the band fans had grown to love over the preceding eight years of their existence.  They embraced the new blood and ensured they maximised the benefit of having an experienced and talented addition like Corchado in the ranks.  It was a shame that John McEntee couldn't convince him to stay longer than just one album as the output for the years since has fallen way short of the quality of this album.

Let's acknowledge that this wasn't just the Corchado show though.  McEntee's natural ability to constantly express himself through death metal is as strong as ever here in both his playing as well as his song and lyric writing.  Likewise, Kyle Severn gives a strong performance on his first Incantation studio album, blasting his way effortlessly through each track.

Probably the last great Incantation album right here folks.  Add it to the collection if not already in there.