With 2021’s United in Chaos, Summoning the Lich began with some very grand ambitions. Taking a more fantasy-driven approach to their frantic death metal laced with plenty of melodies, one of their strongest elements was that of storytellilng. An original story with a planned trilogy, we have come to the second act with Under the Reviled Throne. A release that offers some tweaks to the band’s sound, while still keeping them firing on all cylinders in terms of aggression and visceral energy.
Much like the last album, the ‘for fans of’ still quickly includes The Black Dahlia Murder and Inferi. Summoning the Lich play fast and do it often, leaving a blaze of blastbeats, intricate riffs, and high rasps/low bellows in their wake (see “Reviled Crystal Wielders”). But if there’s one thing they do equally well, it’s provide melodies to keep it interesting. A certain elegance graces the opening of “The Void Gate,” where slower, lumbering sections clash with more uptempo speed runs all the while the band is hook upon hook for the remainder of the track. “The Forest Feasts” sits as one of the strongest tracks due to the absolutely ear-worming riff attack that opens the song, while it’s urgent tempo solidifies the claim as the band delivers intricate melodies with breakneck speed. There’s also some absolutely massive grooves they can dole out, as heard in the endings of both “Potion Seller” and “My Horrors Unending.” All around, Summoning the Lich have really locked in their song dynamics to give them plenty of polish.
While there’s still a bit of familiarity in terms of their sonic output, Summoning the Lich have really refined what works for them and put it on full display. They weave melodies and aggression into a very strong element of storytelling, providing an extreme metal experience that doesn’t play into the same old tired lyrical cliches. Under the Reviled Throne hits all the marks one would ask for a brutal listening experience that you can remember once it ends.