Incarnate

Incarnate is a Dutch thrash metal and hardcore group from the Netherlands, active since 2003. The band forms in the early autumn of 2003 and plays heavy music rooted in metalcore, death metal, hardcore and thrash metal, with a sound that also connects to holy terror.

Style and influences

The band builds its material around aggressive riffs, breakdowns and heavy grooves. Its stated influences include death metal, thrash metal, hardcore and metalcore, and its sound is compared in the input to bands such as Heaven Shall Burn, Slayer and Bolt Thrower. The music is described as uncompromising, with lyrics that address personal frustration, apocalyptic visions and criticism of humanity.

Recordings and releases

Incarnate begins with a self-released demo, A dark age of lies, issued in 2004. The band later signs to the German label Lucifer’s Legions Records for an international re-release of that recording. In 2005 it releases a 3-way split, followed by the 3-song promo Judas Kiss in 2007.

The group’s first full-length, Embrace the Horror, is recorded in 2007 and released in 2008 on Demons Run Amok Entertainment. That album includes a vocal contribution and artwork by Dwid Hellion of Integrity. In 2010 the band records Hands of Guilt / Eyes of Greed, which is issued in 2011 through Demons Run Amok Entertainment. The album is described as carrying a stronger thrash and death metal feel while still keeping groove and slower tempos. Its cover artwork is created by Jacob Parmentier.

Tribute work and collaborations

In May 2006, Incarnate records the Integrity song “Tempest”, which appears on the 2007 tribute release A tribute to Integrity on Escapist Records. The tribute album includes contributions from hardcore bands around the world and artwork by Raf Wechterowicz. Incarnate’s own release Embrace the Horror also features Dwid Hellion of Integrity.

Live activity and position in the scene

The band plays support shows for Nile, Exodus, Pro-Pain, Gorefest, Merauder, Vicious Rumors, Sworn Enemy, 100 Demons, Maroon, Cataract and Shai Hulud, among others. It also appears on several international releases. Incarnate endorses Mayones Guitars and Basses, and Patsticks for Balbex drumsticks and Cympad cymbal optimisation.

Line-up

The band line-up listed in the input is Koen Mattheeuws on vocals, Chris de Nood on guitar, Leon Kriekaard on drums and Bram van Houte on bass.