UMUR
"Here in After" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US death metal act Immolation. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in February 1996 and it´s the successor to "Dawn of Possession" from 1991. In those days 5 years between albums was a very long recording break, but Immolation were dropped by Roadrunner Records (along with quite a few other death- and thrash metal acts) before they were able to release a follow-up to the debut. It took quite a few years to find a new label, but eventually Metal Blade Records signed Immolation for a three-album deal. In the meantime Repulse Records took the opportunity to release the "Stepping on Angels... Before Dawn (1995)" compilation, which features both demo tracks by Rigor Mortis (the band´s original name) and Immolation, and live tracks by the latter mentioned.
Stylistically the music on "Here in After" continues the dark and brutal death metal style of it´s predecessor. The blashemous/anti-christian lyrical themes are also in place, which songtitles like "Burn with Jesus", "Away from God", and "Christ´s Cage", are a testament to. The music is technically well played with a decent amount of tempo changes, brutal and mostly unintelligible growling vocals, and an almost complete lack of anything resembling a melody. In that regard the music is completely uncompromising. But then again you don´t listen to an Immolation album to find something to hum along to, but rather to listen to something dark, twisted, and brutal. When that is said, there are memorable parts here and there, but it takes time and repeated listens before they settle.
"Here in After" is well produced. Powerful, dark, and mean sounding, which is a sound which suits the music perfectly. So overall the 5 year recording break was worth it. I wouldn´t say "Here in After" is a better release than "Dawn of Possession (1991)", but it´s about equal in quality and another great album in the band´s discography. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.