About this album

Sound: "Frenzied black metal riffs surge violently, interspersed with chaotic rhythms and guttural vocals that challenge conventional structures."

Where they were

By the time 'Road to the Octagon' was released in 2010, Impaled Nazarene was already a seasoned band, having formed in 1990. This album marked their tenth full-length release, showcasing their relentless commitment to extreme metal after a series of albums that solidified their place in the Finnish black metal scene.

Why it matters

'Road to the Octagon' received attention for its unyielding intensity and was well-received within underground metal circles. The album reinforced Impaled Nazarene's reputation as a provocative force in black metal, often challenging societal norms with its themes and aggressive sound.

Essential tracks

  • "The Day of Reckoning" — This track exemplifies the album's frenetic energy and thematic urgency, encapsulating the band's take on impending chaos.
  • "Cult of the Goat" — A standout track that blends fierce instrumentation with darkly satirical lyrics, highlighting the band's signature style of blasphemy and critique.
  • "Tentacles of the Octagon" — At just over a minute long, this piece serves as a visceral interlude that amplifies the overall frantic pace of the album while introducing unique sonic motifs.
  • "Corpses" — With its relentless tempo and vivid imagery, this track is a prime example of how Impaled Nazarene melds aggression with macabre storytelling.

Release Date

November 20, 2010

Artist Origin

Finland

Tracklist

  1. 1 Enlightenment Process 2:19
  2. 2 The Day of Reckoning 2:28
  3. 3 Corpses 2:45
  4. 4 Under Attack 2:44
  5. 5 Tentacles of the Octagon 1:33
  6. 6 Reflect on This 2:17
  7. 7 Convulsing Uncontrollably 2:15
  8. 8 Cult of the Goat 3:09
  9. 9 Gag Reflex 3:00
  10. 10 The Plan 2:01
  11. 11 Silent and Violent Type 2:19
  12. 12 Execute Tapeworm Extermination 2:10
  13. 13 Rhetoric Infernal 4:23