Ill keep short and sweet, like the 11 songs on the third album from Dave Ingram (ex-Benediction, Ursinne, Echelon, Just Before Dawn) and Rogga Johannson ( too fucking many to type). Much like their prior two albums (2013s self titled debut and 2015s Exterminate! Annihilate! Destroy!),  … And You Will Obey Me is a more crust/d beat  driven take on both members former and current death metal projects.

With the back bone of Benediction and Rogga ‘s numerous projects (namely Ribspreader and Revolting’s catchy romps)  Down Among the Dead Men isn’t a game changer  as its a simple direct affair with little deviation from a formula that both members have perfected over the years. But that veteran duo (helped out by long time Johannson collaborators Kjetil Lynghaug and Erik Bevenrud on lead guitar and drums respectively) have a confidence and skill set that allows them to write and deliver this stuff in their sleep and it still be top notch.

A nice, beef guitar tone carries the punchy, punky power chord driven and d beat riffs with effective heft and power and the songs themselves deviate little from the formula. None of the tracks really stand out but the likes of “The End of Time”, “Omega” and “The Age of Steel”  have a catchy but feral, no nonsense neck snapping satisfaction. Ingram sounds as good as he did in the 90s on albums like The Grand Leveller , and Johansson just keeps coming up with riff after riff despite being in 258 bands and projects.

Later on the album, a couple of more restrained numbers like the Bolt Thrower-y rumble of “Eye of Harmony” or the Massacre meets Stoner ish groove of “Darkness of Glass”  (complete with “I SAID….. HEEEEY”) try to break the mold a little but when you hear closer “Panopticon”,  it’s clear this is what they do best and know so well. Now- about that cover art……

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