In Their Darkened Shrines
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It is difficult to argue with the notion that Nile are one of the most important and creative bands in the genre of extreme death metal today. Perhaps drawing inspiration from the moody darkness and ambient textures of Morbid Angel, Nile have crafted their own brand of Egyptian-themed death metal that instantly stands out when compared to all other extreme metal bands. This Egyptologist's metal band, hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, has already established itself in underground music and will doubtless be remembered as a legend in decades to come. But while their third studio album continues the tradition of hyperblasting death metal with a strong Middle Eastern slant, it is actually something of a let down compared to previous Nile releases.

"In Their Darkened Shrines" is every bit as brutal and unrelenting as Nile's previous two releases. But unlike "Black Seeds of Vengeance" or "Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka," the new album conveys the sense of ancient Egyptian sacrilege without the use of multiple instrumental segues or authentic Egyptian instruments. "In Their Darkened Shrines" is composed of twelve tracks, and all of them are brutal death metal with a decidedly Egyptian flair. But without the lighter, atmospheric interludes to alter the pace, the songs end up running together, losing their individuality and merging into one fifty minute monolith of extreme metal.

Is this good? Is this bad? Does this even matter? It is a matter of taste; fans of unceasing death metal onslaughts by other bands will undoubtedly find much to rave about on Nile's latest. But while the music of "In Their Darkened Shrines" never sounds like anyone else but Nile, the album is much less three-dimensional, lacking in the variety of textures and sounds that made previous Nile albums stand up to subsequent listenings. Basically, this album is every bit as brutal as "Black Seeds of Vengeance," but far less creative.

Nile has also been plagued by line-up changes as of late. Guitarists Karl Sanders and Dallas Toler-Wade are still present, but cover bass duties as well as other guitars. And Tony Laureano has replaced Pete Hammoura on the drums. Thankfully, such changes do not alter the sound of Nile very much, although there are several examples of even more creative drumming and ride work in songs like "Sarcophagus" and the nigh-twelve minute epic "Unas Slayer of the Gods." Worry not; there is still plenty of ridiculously fast blasting and ax-shredding. This is, after all, still Nile.

Basically, "In Their Darkened Shrines" is disappointing because it does not progress anywhere from "Black Seeds of Vengeance," and is actually much simpler, in terms of composition. But with the exception of the lack of non-metal interludes, everything that makes Nile one of the forerunners of modern extreme death metal is present on "In Their Darkened Shrines." Fans of Nile will enjoy this album, even if it isn't anything especially different.