Blood Incantation: A Deep Dive into Cosmic Occult Black Metal

The Origins of Cosmic Occult Black Metal

Blood Incantation is a pioneering band in the burgeoning genre of cosmic occult black metal. Originating in Denver, Colorado, the band formed in 2011 and quickly gained recognition for their unique blend of atmospheric black metal with themes of cosmic horror and ancient Sumerian mythology.

Cosmic Horror and Ancient Sumeria

Central to Blood Incantation's music is their exploration of cosmic horror, a subgenre that delves into the vastness and indifference of the cosmos and the existential dread it can evoke. Their lyrics draw heavily from the works of H.P. Lovecraft and other authors of the genre.

Additionally, Blood Incantation incorporates elements of ancient Sumerian mythology into their music. Sumer was one of the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia, and their mythology features a pantheon of gods and demons that have influenced the band's themes of cosmic dread and otherworldly beings.

Musical Style and Influences

Musically, Blood Incantation's sound is characterized by its atmospheric and dissonant approach to black metal. Their songs often feature lengthy, hypnotic passages with swirling tremolo-picked guitars and pounding drums. They also incorporate elements of doom metal, with slow and brooding riffs that create a sense of foreboding.

The band acknowledges various influences on their music, including early Norwegian black metal bands such as Mayhem and Darkthrone, as well as more recent atmospheric black metal acts like Portal and Deathspell Omega.

Lyrical Themes and Storytelling

Blood Incantation's lyrics are a key component of their music. They explore themes of cosmic horror, ancient Sumerian mythology, and the occult. Their lyrics are often cryptic and poetic, with a strong sense of narrative and storytelling.

In their album "Hidden History of the Human Race" (2019), the band tells the story of an ancient alien race that visited Earth and left behind artifacts of their knowledge and technology.

Impact and Legacy

Blood Incantation has become a respected and influential band in the metal scene. Their unique blend of cosmic horror, ancient Sumerian mythology, and atmospheric black metal has set them apart and attracted a dedicated following.

The band has toured extensively, performing at major festivals and alongside other prominent black metal acts. Their albums have received critical acclaim, and they continue to push the boundaries of the genre.

Conclusion

Blood Incantation is a groundbreaking band that has made significant contributions to the cosmic occult black metal genre. Their unique blend of musical style, lyrical themes, and storytelling has captivated fans and left a lasting mark on the metal scene.