I’ve been a big fan of SFU’s output since 95’s “The Haunting” (with the exception of the incredibly naff “Graveyard Classics Vol 2”, I mean, covering the whole of AC/DC’s “Back In Black” album….. what were you thinking Barnes??”) No one does good, basic, no frills, groovy death metal quite like Barnes & the boys.

Having said that, I was a bit concerned when I read the news that it was an almost brand new line up on this album (Only Chris Barnes & guitarist Steve Swanson remain), with 2^nd  guitar, bass & drumming duties being taken up by new faces to SFU. I needn’t have worried. The album is a belter.

Groovy, old school, riff heavy, well produced (by Mark Lewis – Deicide / Devil Driver) and more catchy than ebola. The drumming by Kevin Talley (ex Dying Fetus / Misery Index), in particular is a great improvement and really underpins the bands sound and drives it forward, some of SFU’s fastest tracks are on here.

Lyrically, it’s typical SFU – you know what you’re getting with songs like “Molest The Dead” & “Vampire Apocalypse” and to be honest we’d be disappointed otherwise!

Is the CD  a technical tour de force? No it ain’t (stick some Meshuggah or Obscura on for that),  but it’s a gory, satisfying slab of  no nonsense DM nonetheless.