Released on April 4, 2025, Ravage of Empires marks Benediction’s long-awaited return to the death metal scene after a significant hiatus. Renowned for their heavy, groove-laden approach to the genre, the British death metal veterans have delivered an album that not only pays homage to their roots but refines their brutal sound into a potent and razor-sharp weapon of sonic devastation. For a band with such a rich legacy, Ravage of Empires cements Benediction’s place as one of the genre’s defining acts, proving that their ferocity has only grown stronger with time.
While their past albums have earned them a legendary status, Ravage of Empires takes everything to new heights, crafting a record that balances brutal intensity with musical sophistication. It’s a statement from a band that’s not just content with resting on their laurels but is determined to carve out a new chapter in the annals of death metal. The album delivers an untamed assault that resonates with both newcomers and long-time fans alike, solidifying Benediction as one of the genre’s true forces.
A Well-Honed Return: Crafting a Masterpiece
From the opening track, Ravage of Empires offers a brutal, no-holds-barred approach to death metal. The album hits with an intensity that feels like a bulldozer of sound, maintaining the guttural and fierce tones that have always been Benediction’s trademark. What sets this album apart is the refinement of their craft—Benediction blends crushing riffing with intricate solos, dynamic tempos, and nuanced songwriting that showcases their aggression while also highlighting their technical abilities.
The production on Ravage of Empires is sleek and polished, yet it retains the raw power and energy that defines Benediction’s sound. The guitars are thick and punishing, and the drums pummel through the mix with unrelenting precision. The interplay between bassist Scott Fairfax and drummer Dave Ingram provides a foundation that’s both heavy and intricate, ensuring that the album’s momentum never loses its grip. Every element of the production complements the band’s unyielding approach, with each track feeling like a deliberate onslaught.
Guitar-Driven Onslaught: Precision and Aggression Combined
At the heart of Ravage of Empires is the riffing. Guitarists Darren Brookes and Andy Whale have crafted some of the most devastating riffs in the history of the band. Tracks like “A Carrion Harvest” and “Engines of War” are prime examples of their mastery, offering up intricately layered riffs that keep listeners engaged and headbanging from start to finish. These songs never linger in excess; they stay tight, blending crushing power with melodic intricacies that make them stand out in the genre.
One of the standout tracks, “Beyond the Veil (of the Grey Mare),” is a testament to Benediction’s ability to marry speed with groove. The track shifts between blistering tempos and slower, groove-heavy sections, showcasing their dynamic range. The transitions in tempo aren’t merely for the sake of variety—they serve to build tension, drawing listeners in before exploding with ferocious energy.
“Crawling Over Corpses” features some of the album’s most intricate riffing, with Brookes and Whale’s guitars weaving in and out of each other, creating a dynamic, almost cinematic effect. This is paired with intense, machine-gun drumming that fuels the relentless pace of the track, making it one of the most memorable cuts on the album.
Dynamic and Brutal Vocals: Dave Ingram at His Best
Dave Ingram’s vocal performance on Ravage of Empires is one of the highlights of the album. Known for his deep, guttural growls, Ingram brings a commanding presence to every track, his voice seething with intensity. His snarls on “Genesis Chamber” and “Deviant Spine” add a sense of urgency to the music, while his growls on “Psychosister” explore a more sinister tone, perfectly complementing the darker atmosphere of the track.
What stands out about Ingram’s delivery here is the way he blends his classic guttural style with occasional higher-pitched shrieks and subtle variations. His performance isn’t just aggressive; it’s nuanced, bringing depth and emotion to the tracks. His vocal delivery elevates the intensity of songs like “The Finality of Perpetuation,” where his growls feel almost like a warning, perfectly matching the track’s apocalyptic feel.
A Balanced Assault: Speed, Groove, and Atmosphere
While Ravage of Empires is undeniably an aggressive and unrelenting album, it’s also one that has a remarkable sense of pacing. Benediction has always had a keen understanding of how to craft songs that are both punishing and memorable, and this album is no exception. Tracks like the title track, “Ravage of Empires,” start fast and furious but slow down for breakdowns that add a menacing, atmospheric element to the mix. These moments of tension allow the album to breathe, preventing it from becoming a relentless barrage that leaves the listener fatigued.
The band also makes clever use of atmospheric moments that enhance the album’s intensity. Benediction’s ability to switch gears between full-throttle aggression and eerie, more atmospheric sections is one of the album’s defining qualities. The slow, haunting introduction of “Drought of Mercy” is a prime example, building anticipation before launching into a fierce and frenzied middle section that feels utterly devastating.
A Legacy of Brutality and Innovation
Ravage of Empires serves as a statement from Benediction, proving that they’re not just a band that helped define death metal—they’re a band that continues to push the boundaries of the genre. The album pays tribute to their past while carving out a fresh path forward, with tight songwriting, fierce performances, and an unrelenting commitment to brutality. It’s an album that will resonate for years to come, not only with death metal fans but with anyone who appreciates powerful, heavy music.
With Ravage of Empires, Benediction shows that their aggression and technical prowess have only grown with time. This is a band that understands their legacy, but they aren’t content with simply resting on their achievements. They’ve brought something fresh and exciting to the table—an album that respects the genre’s roots but pushes it to new extremes.
Final Verdict: 9.5/10
Standout Tracks:
A Carrion Harvest
Beyond the Veil (of the Grey Mare)
Genesis Chamber
Deviant Spine
Ravage of Empires
For fans of death metal who crave a blend of ferocity and complexity, Ravage of Empires is a must-listen. Benediction’s return is nothing short of triumphant, proving that they remain one of the genre’s most vital and fearsome acts.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to their sound, Ravage of Empires is an album that demands to be heard—its raw power, intricate composition, and unrelenting brutality make it one of the standout death metal releases of 2025.
Until next time, play it loud, friends!
