The underworld awaits us all, and if this album is the soundtrack to it, then I could easily get lost in it for a while. Nile, the mythical juggernauts of death metal, return with a ferocious blend of technical riffs, breakneck-speed drumming, deep resonating bass, and relentless, harsh vocals. From the very beginning, the album starts off strong and impressive but eventually devolves into some repetition, limiting its overall impact. Despite that, the production sounds sharp, and the band’s energy is palpable, particularly on the opening track, "Stelae Of Vultures."

This first track sets the tone with deep, thunderous drums, fast and relentless riffs, and a plucky bass that adds a groovy undertone. The vocals howl in intensity, while the rhythm section delivers smooth double kicks, creating a massive, explosive sound. "Stelae Of Vultures" leaves a lasting impression with its long, yet effortless flow. It’s the kind of track that feels almost too short, despite its length, as the band’s energy propels it forward with little room to breathe.

Following this epic start, the album offers some solid moments with songs like "To Strike With Secret Fang" and "The Underworld Awaits Us All." However, the momentum wanes in places with tracks like "Four Apes" and "Doctrine Of Last Things," where the repetition of ideas and familiar song structures start to take their toll. The quality dips, and the intensity that initially grabs your attention begins to feel a bit one-note.

The band members all seem to be firing on all cylinders, but it’s the drumming that steals the show. The drummer’s speed and precision seem almost inhuman, as though they are a hybrid of machine and man. Whether or not triggers are being used to achieve these lightning-fast rhythms, the result is undeniably impressive. It’s clear that the drummer is putting in overtime on tracks like "Stelae Of Vultures" and "Naqada II: Enter the Golden Age," where the kick drums are particularly mind-blowing—tight and fast, almost impossibly so. The drummer also adds some nice flair with rolls and fills, particularly on the closing track, "Lament For The Destruction Of Time."

The guitar work is equally impressive, though it doesn’t always maintain its edge. The riffs have a supernatural quality to them, particularly when they scale quickly, creating an eerie, almost otherworldly atmosphere. On tracks like "Naqada II: Enter the Golden Age," the riffs hit with intensity and groove, while on "Under the Curse of the One God," they sound dense and powerful. However, there are moments, such as on "Overlords of the Black Earth" and "True Gods of the Desert," where the riffs feel a bit too familiar, bordering on generic. They’re still technically impressive, but at times it feels like they’re following a formula, playing it safe when they could be pushing boundaries even further.

The bass, while solid, often fades into the background, playing a subtle yet essential role. Its plucky tone adds a groove that complements the overall heaviness of the album, but it rarely takes center stage. That said, it shines a little more on tracks like "Overlords of the Black Earth," where its presence is more noticeable. The bass might be low in the mix, but it still adds to the album’s density and complexity.

The vocals, as expected in death metal, are brutal and heavy, but they don't necessarily stand out in a memorable way. The guttural growls and shrieks convey the aggression needed, but they don’t bring anything particularly distinctive to the table. The album also features some backing choruses that sound cool at first, but they start to wear thin with overuse. There is a brief moment of clean vocals on "True Gods of the Desert" that sounds unique and refreshing, but unfortunately, it doesn’t reappear, leaving you wanting more.

The production is one of the album’s strengths. Everything sounds crisp and well-defined, which is no small feat for a genre known for its dense, chaotic sound. There’s an intriguing atmosphere created by subtle elements like gongs and peculiar coin noises, adding a layer of mystique to the overall vibe. The pacing and flow of the album are also well-balanced, especially on the longer tracks, which don’t feel as tedious as they might have in lesser hands. Their ability to keep the longer songs dynamic and engaging helps elevate the listening experience, making it easier to get lost in their world despite occasional dips in quality.

Despite some of the album’s more lackluster moments, it’s hard to forget the immense talent that this band brings to the table. Even when the songs feel a bit repetitive or safe, they still sound better than the entire discography of many other bands. Nile’s technicality, intensity, and passion shine through, making this album a memorable listen—one that invites you to explore the depths of its sound, even if not every track is a perfect hit.