Enter: Vampyric Manifestation – A Deep Dive into Pedestal for Leviathan’s Debut
Introduction to the Album
Enter: Vampyric Manifestation marks the first full-length record from the Colorado-based band Pedestal for Leviathan. This album serves up an intense blend of brutal death metal intertwined with symphonic black metal elements, pushing the boundaries of heaviness and complexity while remaining digestible for listeners. The band has taken a bold stance, acknowledging their influences from notable acts like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth, yet they deftly navigate the potential pitfalls of excessive opulence.
Musical Composition and Style
While symphonic aspects set a grand tone, the essence of Enter: Vampyric Manifestation is firmly rooted in death metal. Pedestal for Leviathan opts for a straightforward approach rather than a frantic race for speed, highlighting the impact and severity of their music over technical complexity. This is especially apparent in the lead single “Lycanthropichrist,” where haunting keys complement simple yet effective riffing, creating a Halloween-ready atmosphere.
Track Structure and Length
The band has made a conscious decision to keep their tracks concise, with no song exceeding four minutes. This choice allows for an efficient delivery of their brutal death metal foundation while incorporating symphonic embellishments without overwhelming the listener. The guitar work is characterized by its robust and straightforward riffs, striking a balance between aggression and accessibility.
Insights from the Band
Guitarist and vocalist Kendrick Lamke shared insights into the creative process behind the album:
“After the release of Pedestal for Leviathan’s Festering Apparition EP last October, I spent last winter writing and developing these tracks with the intention of continuing the general musical theme of ‘death metal riffing meets symphonic blackened atmosphere.’ For Enter: Vampyric Manifestation, I changed tunings and leaned heavier into death metal riffing in the style of Deicide, Skinless, and Dying Fetus while trying to also incorporate some BIG feeling simpler riffs and also continuing to weave in the epic feel of bands like Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, and Cradle of Filth. I also made it a point to work on improving my vocals for this album and tried to vary my delivery across the album while keeping the same general vibe the Festering Apparition vocals had.”
Release Information
Enter: Vampyric Manifestation is set to be released on Friday through Personal Records, with CDs available from December 12. Additionally, cassette pre-orders will be launched through Gurgling Gore Records on November 14, allowing fans to immerse themselves in this audacious offering.
Conclusion
Pedestal for Leviathan’s Enter: Vampyric Manifestation is a commendable debut that successfully merges the ferocity of brutal death metal with the atmospheric touches of symphonic black metal. By maintaining a balance between complexity and accessibility, the band has crafted an album that resonates with both genre enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With Halloween as its release date, the album promises to cast a haunting spell over its listeners.
FAQs
What genre does Enter: Vampyric Manifestation belong to?
The album features a blend of brutal death metal and symphonic black metal elements.
When is the release date for Enter: Vampyric Manifestation?
The album will be released on Friday, with physical CDs available on December 12.
Where can I pre-order the cassette version of the album?
Cassette pre-orders will be available through Gurgling Gore Records starting November 14.
What influences did the band cite for this album?
Pedestal for Leviathan cited influences from bands such as Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Deicide, Skinless, and Dying Fetus.
