What makes Those Whom the Gods Detest by Nile notable?

The album debuted at number 93 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking one of their highest entries to date. Its critical reception was largely positive, with reviewers praising its ambitious sound and thematic depth, further entrenching Nile's influence within the technical death metal genre. Those Whom the Gods Detest is Nile's fifth studio album, released during a period of solidifying their status in the death metal scene after the success of their previous album, Ithyphallic. By this point, the band had established a reputation for their intricate compositions and Egyptian-themed lyrics, which they continued to refine in this release.

Who is Those Whom the Gods Detest for?

Those Whom the Gods Detest works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Those Whom the Gods Detest?

Those Whom the Gods Detest has 10 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Released 17 years ago this November

Those Whom the Gods Detest

Nile · 2009

56 min · 10 tracks · death metal

Complex arrangements intertwine with relentless aggression, creating a labyrinthine soundscape that reflects ancient themes and modern technical prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Those Whom the Gods Detest — The title track encapsulates the album's fusion of brutality and complexity, featuring shifting tempos and intricate guitar work that showcases Nile's signature style.
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Hittite Dung Incantation — This track stands out for its unique blend of rhythmic intensity and atmospheric elements, highlighting the band's ability to weave narratives through music.
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The Eye of Ra — This song exemplifies Nile's thematic focus on ancient mythology while delivering a relentless barrage of riffs and tempo changes that keep listeners engaged throughout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and technical prowess while maintaining a strong thematic focus.

What we noticed

Each track incorporates intricate guitar solos that often intertwine with blast beats, creating a dense sonic texture.
Several songs utilize orchestral elements and chants, enhancing the thematic depth related to ancient cultures.
The final track, 'Iskander Dhul Kharnon', serves as an epic conclusion, combining slower tempos with layered instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
wave-like pacing experience

Where this album fits

Career context: Those Whom the Gods Detest is Nile's fifth studio album, released during a period of solidifying their status in the death metal scene after the success of their previous album, Ithyphallic. By this point, the band had established a reputation for their intricate compositions and Egyptian-themed lyrics, which they continued to refine in this release.
Stylistic neighbors: Obscura· Necrophagist· Beyond Creation