a discussion about Inquisition and the future

Photo courtesy of BV

Some weeks ago when I first came across the news that Inquisition signed a deal with Season Of Mist, I thought, "Ok, let's wait for the next full length and have some opinion then." But deep down inside I'm still worried about Inquisition because Inquisition is one of those bands which I respect not only because they genuinely act like what they try to represent but also the sheer musicianship that Dagon and Incubus put forward. After fifteen years from their inception into the industry, talking about talent is a worthless proposition; it's all about what they bring into the table now or what they have more to offer precisely. 

Many so called Black metal elitists or Inquisition elitists in particular may disagree with me about the fact that Inquisition's best album to date is Into The Infernal Regions Of The Ancient Cult. And there are several reasons tied regarding this opinion. There is no doubt that Dagon is one helluva musician and Incubus drumming has given a new dimension to black metal sound but certain musicians born to provide extremely limited quality and at the same time enjoyable elements; after that they are done, get what I mean? Look no further than Ulver- Bergtatt, Kveldssanger and Nattens Madrigal- then they packed up and moved forward. It's not that Garm and co. suddenly became incapable of putting forward another album like aforementioned ones but certain aspects need to be understood. They had already given what they could regarding that scenario and bringing out another album like those would mean nothing musically. If you look closer to Inquisition's discography, rest aside the earlier thrash days, considering all the albums after Into The Infernal Regions Of The Ancient Cult, each one basically revolves around this album- the riffs, the vocals and overall composition. I'm not saying that later albums are not enjoyable at all; definitely they are- Ominous Doctrines Of The Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm was among the best from last year.

For those who undergo hard time digesting Inquisition's sound, frog- croaked vocals are for giving surreal and unearthly experience. If Dagon used the regular black/death vocals, it would take away the actual purpose that Inquisition originally intents which is to provide trance- like feeling. Listening to Inquistion is like a ritual taking place beside a calm sea under an obscured moon where women are sacrificed and blood's being sipped by devil hearted souls. I remember watching the movie Inquisicion (directed by Paul Naschy) to connect more with Into The Infernal Regions Of The Ancient Cult as the samples in the album were taken from the movie. The scenes were more than horrifying and the characters were sick in every way imaginable; no surprise that Dagon picked up the samples from this movie. As far as the name Inquisition is concerned, it may or may not be a direct influence from the movie. The production was raw for Ancient Cult which gradually became somewhat cleaner in the later albums. So you see too many factors circle around Ancient Cult for which I'm claiming it as the best Inquisition album and a cult classic too.

All these being said, what I'm suggesting? Is it time for Inquisition to quit? Don't get me wrong here. No. As I already stated, I'm worried about Inquisition's progress more than anything. We all know how great of a musician Dagon is, how incredible the live ritual is but bringing out another Inquisition album is where the danger lies. It may be as good as Omnious Doctrines or even Ancient Cult but if it's equivalent or semi equivalent then what's the purpose of a new album; one can always listen to the previous ones. Can Dagon put out a greater effort? Time will answer surely.

So, what do you guys think? Which is the best Inquisition album? Are you concerned about the future of Inquisition? Would you like to see a new album?

Cover of the movie Inquisicion