3rd July 2025

Review: “Eternal Rebellion” by Decadence Incarnate

Specialising in thought provoking lyrical narratives focused on social criticism, personal strength and the courage to stay true to oneself, Gotland Sweden based Decadence Incarnate rose to prominence with 2019 debut EP “The Apostate“. A record which combines the Melodic Death Metal their homeland is known for with Thrash so you get something both aggressive and emotive, it draws on both personal experiences and reflections on the world around them in order to offer something that resonates with the discerning listener. Since then however, the river appeared to have run dry, the band playing a handful of shows before seemingly going on hiatus. The great plague years came and went before the band shared some video footage of rehearsal space and studio shenanigans on social media with EP “Eternal Rebellion” the result…

A Thrash fuelled Metalcore cut with flavours of Trivium and Unearth as well as a harbouring a scorching solo, opening cut “Illusion of Freedom” is classic tale about how while people tell you you can be anything and do anything in the land of the free. The truth is freedom isn’t free and there are bills to pay which mean ultimately most are going to be overworked and under paid. A punchy, raw cut with plenty of bite in the unclean vocals and a couple of nice gang chant moments, this one really sets the scene while screaming “we’re back mother funsters!“. As if one social commentary wasn’t enough the second cut in “Age Of The Narcissist” tears the world of social media limb from limb, defining the age in which we live as being superficial, built on illusion and vanity, all at someone else’s expense. All of that resonates, especially with vocalist and guitarist Rickard Turnbull Möller offering up some deeper death growls to cut against the grain of his usual shriller roars. The lead guitars and well executed breakdowns make this a real stand out, benefiting from modern production values while still having a nostalgic quality.

Casting Lucifer as something of a rebel rather than a villain “Lightbringer” carries lush melodic leads during an anthemic chorus that arguably makes the song. A spoken word that reveals a little accenting is a nice touch, as is a blistering pair of solos with more gang chant moments and breakdowns making it essential listening. This one is the one you’d give a friend when saying “check out this band!” because it has a bit of everything that they do and acts almost like a summary piece of the entire record. Finishing on a high, title track “Eternal Rebellion” is something of a sequel to “Information Wars” from the first record with soaring leads in the ultimate declaration of defiance. A melodic break in the final third feels inspired by early Metallica as it builds from a spark to towering inferno in glorious hummable fashion, guitarist Martin Johansson deserving a lot of credit for his contributions. All in all a staggeringly good record that has not only been worth the wait but is worth its weight in solid Gold [8.5/10]

Track Listing