Anticult cover

Anticult

Decapitated · 2017

37 min · 8 tracks · technical death metal

Technical precision intertwines with brutal intensity, crafting a relentless soundscape that pushes the boundaries of death metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Kill the Cult — This track exemplifies the album's thematic exploration of anti-establishment sentiments while combining intricate guitar work with aggressive rhythms that showcase the band's technical prowess.
  • →
    Impulse — Opening with an explosive riff, this track sets the tone for the album's intensity and highlights the band's ability to blend melody with brutality seamlessly.
  • →
    One-Eyed Nation — With its haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking lyrics, this song encapsulates themes of isolation and rebellion, making it a standout moment on the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and a blend of vocal styles, marking a solid entry in technical death metal.

What we noticed

  • Guitar solos are intricately woven into the fabric of the songs, often serving as transitions between heavier sections.
  • Vocals alternate between guttural growls and higher-pitched screams, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady relentless intensity
  • intricate riffs for detail-oriented listeners
  • focused aggression throughout session
  • short bursts of catharsis

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer melodic or soft sounds
  • seek long, sprawling explorations

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on July 7, 2017, Anticult marks Decapitated's sixth studio album and the first since the return of founding member Vogg after a hiatus. Following their 2014 album, Blood Mantra, this record showcases a further evolution in their sound while solidifying their place within the technical death metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Gojira· Meshuggah· Obscura

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Impulse 6:01
  • 2 Deathvaluation 4:23
  • 3 Kill the Cult 4:40
  • 4 One-Eyed Nation 4:59
  • 5 Anger Line 3:44
  • 6 Earth Scar 5:09
  • 7 Never 6:04
  • 8 Amen 2:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata