Wow! Wow! Wow! Biggest surprise of the year so far hands down.  Minnesota’s Inexorum have hit a colossal homerun with the debut album Lore of The Lakes.  Inexorum is the genius of Carl Skildum who I know from The Minnesota Death/Thrash group Anti-Verse (Also way worth checking out).  Lore of The Lakes is five tracks of throwback, mid-90s No Fashion Records sounding Melodic Black/Death Metal. Right off the bat with the title track, “Raging Hearts” the attention to detail in the song arrangements, melody and riffing is way over the top.  Their bio notes being influenced by Dawn and Sacramentum. I hear a bit of old Abigor and Vinterland myself.  I also love the throwback cover art work down by Allan Towne.

One of my only gripes with Lore of The Lakes is believe the drums are programmed.  If Skildum can find the right live drummer, watch the hell out!  It should also be noted that Lore of the Lakes was mastered by Alan douches (Morbid Angel, Havok, Darkest Hour).  With only five tracks and a run time of 32 minutes Lore of the lakes feels like a much quicker listen than 32 minutes.  I found myself wanting more by the end of it.  Other strong tracks include, “Let Your Pain Be Your Guide” and the title track “Lore of the Lakes”. Sound wise there is definite style to each of the five tracks. Variation from track to track is slight but at no point would I say the album drags.

I cannot get over how good the guitars sound on this.  The meticulous layering is really well thought out and has the maturity of a group that has been together for more than ten years.  It should be noted that Anti-Verse Co-Guitarist Matthew Kirkwold plays bass on this recording who definitely makes his presence felt to this outstanding debut. I have been fortunate to review many bands from Minnesota as this is my home state. Inexorum is a project that will grab your attention and refuse to let go.  With as busy as 2018 has been for Melodic Metal it would be very easy to miss on this one. DO NOT! Two big thumbs up for this.  Pre-order immediately.  I really look forward to the evolution of Inexorum’s material.

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