This release is definitely one of the first albums to go about the whole thrash metal throwback but they blended it with aggressive black metal to make the perfect sound and atmosphere. Tracks like "Maggot Master" and "Frantic Aggressor" are unrelenting and filled with nothing but filth, speed and blasphemy. I was a bit skeptical when I first read that Sven Kopperud from Dimmu Borgir was a big part in the creation of this album but now, I can easily say that that is behind me because this release is a true masterpiece.
The production on "Aggressor" is raw but it suits the music very well. Blackthrash rarely sounds good with clean, pristine production, in my opinion. It adds that perfect sound to the fast riffs or the slow, black metal synth that shows up quite often on the album. Another fantastic addition to the album is the cover of one of Death's best songs, "Evil Dead". Kenneth Svartalv's vocals on the cover suit the song almost as well as Chuck Shuldiner's did. While not a perfect cover, it's just another cherry on top.
This is one hell of an album and definitely something any fan of the Teutonic thrash bands (Sodom, Kreator, Destruction) or Brazilian thrash bands (Sepultura, Sarcofago) should check out as they draw strong influences from both on this album. Absolute filth, hatred and black thrash is what you'll find here.
Highlights
"Maggot Master"
"Dead Dominions"
"Alcoholic Rites"
Final Rating
Masterpiece [9.6/10]
