This band hail from The Netherlands and I admit to being completely unfamiliar with them. The immediate thing that strikes you about this album is the sound and guitar work. Recording as a duo and using other musicians on the live circuit, Sammath play dense, impenetrable cataclysmic black metal. After the intro, “Ravager” bulldozes its way forward with some off the wall guitar sounds and chaotic drumming. The riffs come thick and fast and at first the drumming seems completely out of context and control. The song twists and changes through various degrees of speed. When the music slows down there is an awesome air of dread and terror, which I found very appealing on this CD. Don’t get me wrong this is blisteringly fast black metal though. With the title track over eight minutes you’d expect something different, which is what you get. The inclusion of a battle sound sample with what sounds like breathing by a soldier over the top fits the song well, as the guitar beats its way in and launches into a fabulously piercing riff and barraging drum work. “Ashes To Ashes” carves you in two with a vitriolic and truly hostile riff that reminds me of Anaal Nathrakh due to its uncompromising intensity and ferocity. I am still not convinced that the chaotic style drumming does the guitar work any favours and adds any further power. Each track veers off at tangents to keep you on your toes, by varying pace, melody and downright viciousness. The tempo rarely slackens for a moment, except to add that dense air of menace and fear I hinted at. The riffs are punishing and cruel, but they are still tuneful. If you’re up for some uncompromising, ruthless and downright savage black metal then get this because you won’t be disappointed I assure you.