On the recent compilation Synthetic Rage Volume 1 from label Engraved Ritual, one of the tracks that stood out dominantly amongst many great artists on the very strong release was from Mexican harsh EBM band God Destruction. Anticristo was a raging highlight introducing the band and their lingering and destructive blend of dark electro, black metal, blasphemous intent, and satanic heart. The song festered and incinerated the senses with its intrusive and infectious sound waking up a keen anticipation for more from the band. Iluminatus also through Engraved Ritual is the debut album from God Destruction and not only reinforces all the immensely positive reactions the song nurtured but has gone way beyond to be one of the most impressive and deeply rewarding releases this year.
The music and creativity which pervades the senses is as distinct and far reaching as the venomous blackened intensity that pours in a torrent from every track on the release. Illuminatus is the soundtrack to the rise and return of the horned one, an aural perversion of the finest craft to mark and manipulate the emotions to his wishes and intent. Most of all it is one stunning album of music that manipulates the senses and body like a maniacal hell spawn puppeteer, it refuses to be ignored, makes it impossible to resist, and sets in motion the deepest and most fulfilling union between it and those falling within its corruption.
The album is one of the most highly consistent to be heard in a long time, and though some tracks emerge as favourites 
each and every one vies for top honours on each and every satisfying immersion into its sweltering vibrant mass. The opening Lvzbel enters on a defined electro mission with samples as striking as the energised yet patient synths that spread around them. The mid paced stomp across the ear resonates with each mighty beat demanding and pulling an immediate subservience to its intense uncompromising sounds. The duo of Charles Black and Satan Imperor crush, tantalise and mesmerise with equal effect from the start with sounds that envelope and search out every corner of the senses opening them up for the rasping serpentine vocals that wonderfully scorch and scrape every surface they touch.
The unrelenting imagination and intrusive electro violations continue unabated and in open diversity on the album, the likes of Become Death and the rapture/ contagion that oozes at every varied twist and turn, the aforementioned scathing aural colossus Antichristo, and the two church corruptions In Nomine Dei Nostri Satanas and Prometheus just a quartet of the striking invention unleashed. The second of these last two is a rampant and unrepentant provocation that strikes at the heart of he who will become second best.
Illuminatus ends its eleven original tracks on a blistering high with the trio of songs Armageddon, Son of Satan, and Across the Light. The first is a metal infused destructive and malevolent crawl over the senses, its caustic surface dazzling with crystal melodies as sharp and intrusive as the always wonderfully abrasive vocals and the withering ingenuity brought by the incisive synths and acidic melodies. Son of Satan is another agitated and malicious assault on the senses, its evil grin dripping adrenaline and vindictiveness. The song is the most violent and intrusive on the album, its fingers going places that were unknown even to its recipients. Across the Light finishes off the trio with an expansive and hypnotic mesh of atmospheric grandeur, dawning light, and creeping consuming disease. It is a perfect bringing together of beauty and pit borne malice that brings a finality to the album perfectly.
The album also comes with remixes from Stahlnebel & Black Selket, Mas-Si-Osare and Reaxion Guerrilla to add an extra pleasure to a mighty album. Every aspect of Illuminatus is intense and of the highest quality musically, vocally and in invention. It niggles, persists and never leaves one alone throughout its ninety minute purge of the senses and is an enthralling pleasure for every second. The album is mastered by Mario Carrasco from Sin D.N.A. with his fine expressive and receptive mix bringing an obvious understanding and additional expertise to the thoughts and ideas of the band.
There have been a few very impressive and unique harsh EBM/dark electro tracks and releases over the past few months but Illuminatus sits at the top easily and with sure strength. God Destruction has opened the door to hell, they its fanfare and companion and ensuring more from them will be eagerly awaited.
RingMaster 09/05/2012
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