Forget second wave, this is throwback to first wave style. The emphasis is on harsh, done through lots of distortion. Aggression and hate, no whining about suicide and depression. The pace is slow and even and the songs are guitar driven not drum driven. They obviously paid attention to the 90’s even though they are trying not to directly copy the second wave so it is relevant to today as well.

This is slow heavy riffs, screamed vocals, stripped down and raw, but not primitive production values. It actually sounds good, relatively crisp. The guitar buzz does not bury the drums. “Like Poison” shows some bursts of mid-paced speed and a hint of melodic lines. The seven and a half minute title track is extra slow with an ominous guitar solo and the drummer does some fills. Seven minutes is not easy for this style.

Why listen to this band instead of say Craft? Same reason why listen to Julliard graduate number 47,876 playing Mozart piano pieces, someone has got to keep the past alive. Someone else can be the developer of the next genre, we will always need new bands playing retro styles, be it black, thrash or death. You know when ignorant people look at abstract art and say their three year old could paint like that and the retort is your three year old didn’t think to do so. My three year old can play like this, and does, quite the accompaniment, and I’m encouraging her to think to do so, I’m starting them young, the next generation is on the way.

Is it the most vile, hateful, raw black metal concoction ever committed to plastic? No. Was it a worthy endeavor? Of course. There is no reason to download a sample before buying, if you don’t already know what it sounds like you’re not worthy, instead go up to your parent’s bedroom and slit your wrists, not too deep, and you better have some pills with you incase you chicken out with the knife. And make sure you have your Brittany Spears cd spinning so metal does not take the negative publicity hit.

[Visit the band's website]

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