The Legendary Original Incubus
Incubus exploded onto the extreme metal scene with a force that few bands could match. Their high-speed thrash shattered expectations and pushed the boundaries toward death metal. Every riff, every drum hit, every scream felt relentless, raw, and uncompromising. From the very start, Incubus proved that thrash metal could evolve into something darker, heavier, and truly extreme.
Brazilian Thrash Metal Roots
Serpent Temptation is a masterpiece that still demands attention. Its riffs bite, its rhythms hit like a punch, and its influence runs deep in extreme metal history. This album captures the raw ferocity of the original Incubus, making it a milestone for both thrash and death metal fans alike.
Back in the 1980s, the Brazilian lineup stunned audiences with their speed, intensity, and crushing heaviness. They were trailblazers, blending thrash and death metal into a sound that felt both cohesive and innovative. However, copyright conflicts forced a hiatus and a later rebranding as Opprobrium—but the legacy of those early years remains untouchable.
Exquisite Riffs and Jaw-Dropping Songwriting
What sets Serpent Temptation apart is its razor-sharp riffing and meticulous songwriting. Each track moves effortlessly from bone-crushing slow grooves to blistering tremolo runs. Guitarist Francis M. Howard dominates with riffs that are both technical and memorable, proving his mastery of the extreme metal craft.
Moreover, the album highlights the band’s creativity and precision. Their technical skills only sharpened on later releases like Beyond the Unknown, but Serpent Temptation remains the foundation of their musical genius.
Pushing Boundaries
Incubus never played it safe. Their thrash beats race at impossible tempos, rivaling death and black metal bands known for relentless blast beats. Occasionally, their intensity flirts with grindcore, yet they always stay grounded in thrash. This balance makes their sound both unique and groundbreaking.
With the reissue of Serpent Temptation, new and old fans can witness why this album is a landmark in extreme metal. Its influence on thrash and death metal is enormous, and the ferocity and skill of Incubus are still unmatched. If you crave music that pushes the limits, this is essential listening.
