For a band that built its name on sheer brutality, Ingested have spent the last several years refining what that brutality actually means. With their newest release, Denigration, the band finds that continuing evolution. They’re still punishing, still precise, but noticeably more controlled and deliberate in how it all lands. From the outset, the record makes its intentions clear. “Dragged Apart” opens with a dense, crushing wall of riffs before snapping into tightly locked rhythms that highlights just how dialed in this lineup is. The addition of Andrew Virrueta on guitar and vocals gives the band a broader vocal range to work with, layering gutturals and higher register attacks in a way that adds dimension without feeling overworked.
Musically, Denigration leans hard into the intersection of technical death metal and modern slam. Fans of bands like Signs Of The Swarm and Whitechapel will feel right at home. The riffs are intricate but never lose their weight, and the drums, anchored by Lyn Jeffs, pushes everything forward with relentless precision. There’s a mechanical tightness to the songs, but it never feels sterile. The band know when to let things breathe just enough before dropping back into something crushing. Tracks like “Watch You Fold”, featuring John Gallagher of Dying Fetus, and “Merciless Reflection”, featuring Damonteal Harris of PeelingFlesh, showcase how well Ingested integrate guest spots without losing their own identity. These collaborations don’t feel like gimmicks but amplify the intensity while still sounding cohesive within the record’s overall flow.
That said, this album doesn’t stray too far from the formula the band has been building toward. The pacing, structure, and vibe remain consistent throughout, which gives the album a strong sense of cohesion. However, there are moments where the constant barrage of technical riffing and breakdown driven structure begin to feel predictable, especially on longer listens. Still, when the band locks into a groove, it hits hard. “Steel Toe Truth” and “Beaten Beyond the Veil” stand out for balancing complexity with impact thus proving that Ingested are at their best when they let the weight of a riff do as much work as the technicality behind it.
Production wise, the album is as sharp as you’d expect. Recorded at The Arch Studios and produced by Nico Beninato, everything lands with clarity and force. The guitars cut clean without losing thickness, the drums snap with precision, and the low end carries a constant sense of pressure throughout the mix. What ultimately makes Denigration work is its focus. Ingested aren’t chasing trends or trying to reinvent themselves entirely but refine a sound they’ve spent years building. It’s heavier in execution than experimentation, but that consistency is part of its strength. For longtime fans, it’s exactly what you’d want from a band that’s tightening its grip rather than loosening it. And for newcomers, it’s a clear entry point into a version of technical death metal that values impact just as much as intricacy.
