Every so often, we get a band that refuses to give us an easy listen. There are those out there that seek to challenge themselves as musicians for what they’re able to create with us as listeners tuning in to see what is truly possible if the imagination of others is simply unbounded and left to roam free. It’s a fascinating prospect that has driven innovation since the dawn of music, and the world of metal has been no less than bountiful with it even as we find ourselves in territories that we feel cannot be expanded upon any further. With their first full-length album, Renunciation is an act that more than deserves the right to be named amongst the daring that seeks to go against the grain and craft something that can be solely called their own with the resulting creation certainly fitting such a description.

Given the email that I received from Renunciation in regards to this album, I figured I was in for a creation that very much skirted the line of black and death metal in such fashion that we’ve seen plenty of times before, but I’m always up to see if something interesting or different can be achieved. I didn’t know I was in for something this different! And interesting? Hell, that’s just the very beginning of what Renunciation has brought forth here for the seven tracks of “Autelmorte”. Those core influences of death and black metal are absolutely present and center stage, but the very reality of this album is far more than just that. “Autelmorte” manages to incorporate a true cacophony of different styles with the record as a whole going down a progressive path that is not to be denied in any form while the technicality of the talent here grabs us by the hand to deliver us unto heights that I don’t think anyone would’ve dared expected before setting foot in this effort. Add on top of all of that a well-defined melodic element that truly grabs you by the throat and it’s hard to argue that “Autelmorte” has accomplished anything short of wild success with the attention to detail and talent of Renunciation the driving force that makes this effort the unforgiving beast that it is right as soon as you let it take you with the very ending leaving you a demolished mass begging for more.

Of all the surprises that I’ve been dealt in recent months, this is definitely of the most fascinating that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. Very little could have prepared me for what lied in store with “Autelmorte” as Renunciation is far from a name that many know or recognize, but given time I hope that this album becomes a cult success with only fervent explorers being able to boast that they’ve experienced it. Few are able to accomplish that feat in their creations, but Renunciation more than deserves such a status with what they’ve delivered here.

LISTEN to “Autelmorte” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Renunciation on Facebook here.