What Should Not Be Unearthed
Nile · 2015
50 min · 10 tracks · death metal
Blistering technical riffs and complex structures intertwine with ancient themes, creating a relentless auditory assault steeped in mythology.
Top tracks — play these first
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In the Name of Amun — This track exemplifies Nile's signature blend of frenetic riffing and intricate time signatures while exploring themes of ancient Egyptian deities. Its epic length allows for a dynamic shift between aggressive passages and haunting melodies.
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Evil to Cast Out Evil — Featuring rapid-fire drumming and complex guitar work, this song showcases Nile's technical proficiency while delving into dark lyrical themes, making it a standout representation of their style.
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Rape of the Black Earth — This track combines crushing heaviness with an atmospheric interlude that reflects on ecological devastation, demonstrating Nile's ability to weave poignant messages into their brutal soundscapes.
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What Should Not Be Unearthed — The title track serves as a focal point for the album's exploration of forbidden knowledge and ancient secrets, featuring intricate arrangements that encapsulate the essence of Nile's musical identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases complex structures and themes, making it a solid entry in Nile's discography but not.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate traditional instruments and scales, enhancing the thematic connection to ancient mythology.
- The last two tracks feature extended instrumental sections that build tension before concluding with abrupt endings.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 journey with historical themes
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- cathartic release through intensity
- immersive listening for focused sessions
- brutal rhythms demanding full attention
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer light, upbeat soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2015, What Should Not Be Unearthed is Nile's seventh studio album, following their critically acclaimed work At the Gate of Sethu. By this point in their career, Nile had solidified their reputation for blending brutal death metal with Egyptian mythology, showcasing their technical prowess and thematic depth. This album further established them as key figures in the technical death metal genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Obscura· Necrophagist· Beyond Creation
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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In the Name of Amun
The verses switch from vivid descriptions of ancient rituals to urgent proclamations about power and divinity.
This structural choice emphasizes the tension between reverence and aggression, reflecting the dual nature of both the subject matter and the music itself.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Call to Destruction 5:45
- 2 Negating the Abominable Coils of Apep 4:14
- 3 Liber Stellae Rubeae 3:48
- 4 In the Name of Amun 6:49
- 5 What Should Not Be Unearthed 6:58
- 6 Evil to Cast Out Evil 5:37
- 7 Age of Famine 4:11
- 8 Ushabti Reanimator 1:30
- 9 Rape of the Black Earth 4:35
- 10 To Walk Forth From Flames Unscathed 6:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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