Extol is a pioneering death metal band from Bekkestua, Norway, known for their unique fusion of death metal with elements of progressive music. Formed in 1993, the band has established itself as one of the most influential acts in the Norwegian metal scene. Their music is a blend of complex rhythms, intricate guitar riffs, and intense vocals, combining technical prowess with emotional depth. Extol is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of metal, utilizing unconventional time signatures and song structures to create a distinctive sound. Throughout their career, they have experimented with multiple genres, incorporating elements from progressive, black metal, and even classical music.
Despite the challenges of maintaining a stable lineup over the years, Extol’s commitment to innovation and their technical mastery has earned them a loyal fanbase worldwide. Their music is often intense and heavy, with lyrics that explore deep philosophical and emotional themes, often dealing with loss, death, and existential questions.
Music Type
Extol’s music primarily falls within the death metal genre but is distinguished by its progressive elements. Death metal is known for its fast tempos, complex guitar work, and guttural vocals. However, Extol distinguishes itself by adding intricate melodies, off-kilter rhythms, and unexpected song structures, which are characteristic of progressive metal. This progressive approach to death metal allows Extol to create a unique listening experience, combining brutality with sophistication.
In addition to the death metal foundation, Extol incorporates influences from black metal and jazz, further enhancing their technical sound. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend these elements results in a sound that is both heavy and intricate, making them stand out in the crowded metal scene.
Collaborations
Over the years, Extol has worked with several renowned musicians and producers. They have collaborated with producers such as Børge Finstad and Jens Bogren to ensure the highest quality of production in their albums. These collaborations have helped Extol craft their unique sound, which marries technical prowess with emotional depth.
Although Extol has not frequently collaborated with other metal bands on tracks, their influence on the metal community is undeniable. Their innovative approach to songwriting has inspired many metal musicians and bands. They have performed at major festivals like Furnace Fest, where they played alongside other prominent acts in the death metal and progressive metal scenes.
Latest Songs and Music Albums
Extol’s most recent album, Labyrinth of Ill (2023), marks another milestone in their evolution. The album features tracks like “Labyrinth of Ill” and “Exigency,” which showcase the band’s signature blend of complex guitar riffs, aggressive drumming, and emotional intensity. These tracks exemplify the band’s continued growth and experimentation within the progressive death metal genre.
In addition to their latest release, Extol’s discography includes several notable albums:
- Extol (2014), which features tracks like “Betrayal” and “A Gift Beyond Human Reach.”
- The Blueprint Dives (2005), which includes powerful tracks such as “Riding for a Fall” and “Lost in Dismay.”
- Synergy (2003), showcasing songs like “Grace for Succession” and “Psychopath.”
- Paralysis (2001), including tracks such as “Human Frailty’s Grave” and “Shadow of Death.”
- Undeceived (2000), featuring “Time Stands Still” and “Inferno.”
These albums have received critical acclaim for their technical complexity, powerful compositions, and thought-provoking lyrics. Extol’s music has consistently pushed the boundaries of what death metal can be, making them an influential force in the metal community.
Most Popular Songs
Extol’s music has been both technically sophisticated and emotionally resonant, making several of their tracks iconic within the death metal and progressive metal communities. Some of their most popular and well-loved songs include:
- “Pearl” – Known for its haunting melody and deep emotional resonance, “Pearl” explores themes of loss and death, showcasing the band’s ability to mix heaviness with poignant moments of reflection.
- “Betrayal” – With its aggressive guitar riffs and fast-paced drumming, “Betrayal” is a fan favorite that addresses the painful topic of betrayal and trust.
- “A Gift Beyond Human Reach” – A track that exemplifies Extol’s technical mastery, this song features complex rhythms and powerful vocals.
- “Open the Gates” – This song combines intense guitar work with high-energy drumming, creating a sense of urgency and emotional intensity.
- “Soul Deprived” – A song that encapsulates the band’s ability to blend brutal riffs with emotional depth, “Soul Deprived” remains a fan favorite for its raw power.
Other popular songs include “Faltering Moves,” “Behold the Sun,” and “Sting of Death,” which have all become staples of their live performances.
Track List
| Track Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Into Another Dimension | 1998 |
| Celestial Completion | 1998 |
| Burial | 1998 |
| Renhetens Elv | 1998 |
| Superior | 1998 |
| Reflections of a Broken Soul | 1998 |
| Justified | 1998 |
| Embraced | 1998 |
| Innbydelse | 1998 |
| Tears of Bitterness | 1998 |
| Work of Art | 1998 |
| Jesus Kom Til Jorden for Å Dø | 1998 |
| Enthralled | 1999 |
| The Prodigal Son | 1999 |
| Storms of Disillusions | 1999 |
| Burial – Sanctum Remix | 1999 |
| Renhetens Elv – Sanctum Remix | 1999 |
| Work of Art – Raison d’Être Remix | 1999 |
| Undeceived | 2000 |
| Inferno | 2000 |
| Time Stands Still | 2000 |
| Ember | 2000 |
| Meadows of Silence | 2000 |
| Shelter | 2000 |
| A Structure of Souls | 2000 |
| Of Light and Shade | 2000 |
| Where Sleep Is Rest | 2000 |
| Renewal | 2000 |
| Abandoned | 2000 |
| And I Watch | 2000 |
| Paralysis | 2001 |
| Your Beauty Divine | 2001 |
| Shadow of Death | 2001 |
| Human Frailty’s Grave | 2001 |
| Grace for Succession | 2003 |
| Paradigms | 2003 |
| Psychopath | 2003 |
| Blood Red Cover | 2003 |
| 26 Miles From Marathon | 2003 |
| Confession of Inadequacy | 2003 |
| Scrape the Surface | 2003 |
| Thrash Synergy | 2003 |
| Aperture | 2003 |
| Emancipation | 2003 |
| Nihilism 2002 | 2003 |
| Gloriana | 2005 |
| Soul Deprived | 2005 |
| In Reversal | 2005 |
| Pearl | 2005 |
| From the Everyday Mountain Top | 2005 |
| Another Adam’s Escape | 2005 |
| The Things I Found | 2005 |
| Lost in Dismay | 2005 |
| Essence | 2005 |
| The Death Sedative | 2005 |
| Riding for a Fall | 2005 |
| Extol | 2014 |
| Ministers | 2014 |
| Dawn of Redemption | 2014 |
| Behold the Sun | 2014 |
| Faltering Moves | 2014 |
| Wastelands | 2014 |
| A Gift Beyond Human Reach | 2014 |
| Betrayal | 2014 |
| Sting of Death | 2014 |
| Unveiling the Obscure | 2014 |
| Labyrinth of Ill | 2023 |
| Exigency | 2023 |
Conclusion
Extol’s contribution to the death metal genre cannot be overstated. Their fusion of death metal with progressive elements, as well as their commitment to pushing the boundaries of technical skill and emotional depth, has solidified their place in the annals of metal history. Over the course of their career, Extol has maintained a distinct sound, always evolving while staying true to their roots.
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