Immolation | Artist

Immolation is an American death metal band formed 1988 in Yonkers, New York, by Robert Vigna (guitar), Ross Dolan (bass, vocals), Neal Boback (drums) and Thomas Wilkinson (guitar). Initially called Rigor Mortis, the band changed names after recording two EPs and the replacement of Andrew Sakowicz by Ross Dolan. The band's sound is based on dissonant harmonic riffs from duelling guitars, over complex rhythm and drum patterns. Their first five studio albums, released between 1991-2002 are classics of the death metal genre. Guitarist Robert Vigna and vocalist/bassist Ross Dolan have been the only constant members throughout the band's history. Vigna is considered to be one of the most talented death metal guitarists and is well known for his complex riffing and wailing solos. The band's lyrics from Dawn of Possession to Unholy Cult are largely anti-religion, but later albums touch on other subjects such as politics. Standout albums include their first Five studio LPs: Dawn of Possession (1991), Here in After (1996), Failures for Gods (1999), Close to a World Below (2000) and Unholy Cult (2002), plus the later albums Majesty and Decay (2010), Acts of God (2022), and Descent (2026). Immolation, along with Incantation, helped bring the New York death metal scene to the attention of the underground, and are noted for their contributions to the genre as a whole. Hence, they are considered one of the most influential American death metal bands. The band's debut album is an important and highly influential album in the genre, having laid down the blueprint that bands such as Cryptopsy and Suffocation would follow with their respective debuts. Guitarist Robert Vigna is widely regarded as a "mad scientist" of riff writing. He is known for creating eerie, disorienting, and off-kilter sounds that define the "Immolation ethos" rather than just a standard death metal sound.

Artist Website: immolation-store.com

Featured Albums: Immolation

Related Artists: Rigor Mortis