Reviewed by Christian Cunningham

With an expanded line-up due to the addition of a second guitarist, Australian death metal merchants Scourged Flesh return with an excellently crafted slice of sonic brutality. A noticeably better production than on the band's previous two albums has allowed much more creative freedom and as a result the tracks on show here range from dark and foreboding like the opener "Death And Destruction", to grimy, riff-ridden, death'n'roll cuts like "Episodes Of Hate". The band have clearly found their stylistic niche in a groovy death sound which ensures every song has at least one glorious moment when a killer riff slithers out of your speakers or a drum roll crashes forth to entice you into a windmill headbang. Album highlights include "Shadow Storm", a track with such a fantastic riff for its chorus it had this reviewer scrambling for his guitar as soon as he heard it. Todd Kilgallon's death growl is visceral and raspy and rather reminiscent of Jeff Walker from that marvellous 90's band Carcass. All in all, an excellent chunk of groovy, greasy death metal.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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