Band:	Inculter
Album:	Morbid Origin
Style:	Blackened thrash metal
Release date:	December 2023

01. Intro
02. Death Reigns
03. Age Of Reprisal
04. Chained To The Void
05. Children Of Demise
06. Extinction
07. Morbid Origin
08. Perennial Slaves
09. Lethal Salvation

Inculter's origins may not be as morbid as this album's title would suggest; however, their style traces back to the morbid peak of thrash, when the scene ruled over all that surrounded it.

Norway is perhaps more renowned for its notorious black metal scene, which spawned the second wave of black metal (trve kvlt), rather than for its contributions to the traditional heavy/thrash metal styles that were dominating metal around the same time. However, that doesn't mean that Norwegians lack in quality in other areas of the metal spectrum; the country has contributed top-quality acts across almost all genres, including thrash, courtesy of black-tinged trad thrashers Inculter.

Having formed in 2012, Inculter now unleash their third full-length release, titled Morbid Origin, following 2015 debut Persisting Devolution and a sophomore album, Fatal Visions, in 2019. This newest effort features nine tracks clocking in at just shy of the fifty-minute mark, a relatively long duration for a modern thrash metal release. Very much like the previous two records, Morbid Origin featurs a style inspired by early 80s thrash, sporting influences spanning the likes of Slayer, Exodus, early Metallica, and Hellhammer: an enticing combination for old-school thrash fans.

The album surprisingly begins with a short and gentle acoustic melody: nothing too exciting, but it eases oneself into the first main track, "Death Reigns". As soon as this song begins, listeners are confronted by an aggressive, energetic presence; this is old-school thrash, pure and simple, very much resembling the likes of early Exodus and Slayer. The tempo and rhythm is ferocious, and the song features thrashy shredding leads and Slayer-like frenzied riffs delivered by the ultra-competent guitar duo of founding member Remi Andrè Nygård and recent addition Lasse Udjus; Nygård also performs his aggressive, thrashy vocals to a tee. The following track, "Age Of Reprisal", runs for a relatively long 7 minutes, partly due to featuring a slightly slower tempo than the opener, with a more steady galloping rhythm. Influence from early Metallica can be heard throughout this track, from the vocals to the striking leads and riff melodies.

From here, the album seemingly makes its way through the entire thrash genre. Firstly, there's "Chained To The Void", a track reminiscent of something from Sodom's Agent Orange courtesy of its exciting rapid solos, combination of ferocious and chugging riffs, heavy but stylistic drumming (with Daniel Tveit really coming into his own), and rapid bass lines (a standout song on which Cato Bakke shines). Then you have "Extinction", which gives off a strong Show No Mercy-meets-Bonded By Blood vibe. The latter half of this song is a highlight moment, as Inculter go in a more traditional heavy metal direction; the main riff and solo feel more along the lines of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden than anything thrash-like compared with what's been heard so far, and yet, it doesn't seem out of place in any way shape or form.

The title track is the longest on the album at over 8 minutes, but not once does it lack in aggressive energy or sheer ferocity. The main riff is highly memorable, making for perfect headbanging material, the bass presence is noticeably potent throughout, the duelling guitar work is simply relentless, and the use of various tempo and rhythm changes keeps the listener on edge. The song even ends with an out-of-character soft acoustic melody, and makes for a top-quality modern thrash track, serving as a clear standout cut on this record.

"Perennial Slaves" begins momentarily with the sweet acoustic passage that the previous track ended with, before heavy semi-chugging riffs, powerful bass, thunderous pounding drumming and aggressive vocals kick in. It does, however, ease down part way through, and the vocals soften; this short interlude heightens the impact of a memorable thrashy solo that subsequently comes in. "Lethal Salvation" closes the album off with the most powerful and frenzied thrash attack yet, as energy and aggression levels reach maximum; sounding like a combination of Sodom, Kreator and Slayer, one can even hear glimpses of Hellhammer in the more blackened features of this final track. Admittedly, outside of this song, such elements are unfortunately rare.

While mostly conforming to the conventions of standard thrash, there are also moments on Morbid Origin where Inculter's musicianship really shines through, proving why they are regarded as one of Norway's leading acts in the modern thrash scene.