Reviewed by Ian Webber

Formed by the Cook brothers (Adam and Michael), and hailing from Monmouth, Illinois, A Hill To Die Upon are a young, black metal group. In this, their first full-length album, we are treated to a brutal assault on every track. Adam Cook leads with a distinctive throaty growl as he chews his way through lyrics that are full of Christian images. The chugging of the twin riffing guitars and tight machine gun drumming add to an overall effect that is at times haunting and definitely influenced by European black metal. There is no better illustration of all that is best about AHTDU than "Twin Heads Of Vengeance". With its double drumming and changes in rhythm, there is no room for the sound to stagnate. The album also opens and closes with instrumental tracks that showcase the band's versatility. The second of these tracks, "Rise", clocks in at over six minutes and never lets up. This young band is certainly very talented. Production is of top quality and the artwork on the album cover completes a package that is most impressive for a debut release. There is a classic edge to this group's sound, but fans of death metal will enjoy this stripped down, progressive and up to date recording.

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