Artist: Nekromantheon
Title: Rise, Vulcan Spectre
Type: Album
Label: Indie Recordings

Two years after their debut ‘Divinity of Death’, Norway’s’ Nekromantheon (one of Fenriz’’ bands of the week’, who also happen to live next door or something to the Darkthrone celebrity) bring us ‘Rise, Vulcan Spectre’ (no, not fucking Spock!). Anyways, the questions on everyone’s lips are, of course: Does it sound like old school Slayer? Which German thrash band did they copy the most? Are there early Sepultura influences? Well let me settle those questions now: Yes, all three, yes (more than before though).

I guess I could just point you to my review of the first album but that’d be half-arsed, wouldn’t it? But as half arsed as it would be, it’s not like much has changed – and in a way that’s good thing. Just like with the debut, there’s something about Nekromantheon that lifts them above the usual copycats – and here they are better than ever. Raw and fast, feeling somewhat like a thrash classic you somehow missed, ‘Rise, Vulcan Spectre’ is vicious tour-de-force. It’s got that proper attitude accompanied by a spot-on production – dark and perfectly located between the high and low end. In other words it has balls. Delay-topped vocals dominate proceedings as guitars and bass unleash one grim riff after the other in fast procession, with the drums raging away – never stopping the madness.

What more is there to say? It’s a ferocious and powerful piece, more mature and ultimately better than their previous work. A triumphant return and an absolute must to all worshippers of evil thrash. Truly blasts your head off!

http://www.facebook.com/nekromantheonofficial

Miika Virtanen

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