Seeing the implementation of folk metal into increasingly unique styles is a great pleasure for someone like me who loves to see the many different sounds of folk metal finding special corners from different bands all over the world. Thus far, the most unique folk metal incarnation I’ve seen is Whispered’s mammoth blend of many different styles to create samurai-themed metal that’s simply exquisite, and I’ve been simply dying for new material since their last release three years ago. Today, I didn’t get a new Whispered album, but, instead, it’s from the other side of the planet with a different ancient civilization that Cemican impresses like only a handful of other bands before them!

If the idea of scathing death metal with an unbelievable flair of Aztec-themed folk metal that’s as entrancing and brutal doesn’t sound like a fucking awesome time to you then you need to get your head checked because that’s a concept that sounds fucking spectacular from every angle. It’s Cemican who’s brought it to life masterfully with “In Ohtli Teoyohtica In Miquiztli” that’s infused with an undying spirit of pure malice while also having the expertise to know when to insert a quick moment of reprieve when it’s the most effective. That helps these twelve magnificent tracks comes together gorgeously, and that’s not even touching the splendid use of folk instruments, brilliant technicality across the whole album, and spectacular themes that tie in with Aztec mythology! Cemican does everything they can to make this album incredibly immersive as they give us a bloody peek into the Aztec mythos that’s as much of an homage to their ancestors that helps preserve their culture in a very unique way along as it is a truly one of a kind addition to the world of metal that possibly only they can recreate in such fantastic quality. In just about every situation, “In Ohtli Teoyohtica In Miquiztli” impresses on a scale that I simply wasn’t ready for and this is a release that Cemican should be extremely proud as its track by track one of the most compelling works of death/folk metal that I’ve heard in years.

When I ventured into this vicious time capsule, I was expecting a solid attempt but there’s no way that I was ready for the sheer mastery and top tier quality that Cemican consistently brings to the table here as they do nothing but bring glory to the Mexican metal scene. Right from the beginning and to the crushing end, “In Ohtli Teoyohtica In Miquiztli” is an extreme record that is simply irresistible for anyone who thinks they could get into such a specific style like this. And for any newcomer thinking they might be interested in something like this, get ready for a new favorite.

LISTEN to “In Ohtli Teoyohtica In Miquiztli” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Cemican on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Cemican on Twitter: @CEMICANband