One could list a who’s who from Earache’s halcyon days of being THE label for Grind and Death Metal bands so let the name checking begin. Napalm Death is certainly a reference point as is Brutal Truth, at least in the latter’s finer moments. Nasum is also a viable measuring stick. The sound is both old school and modern and this can vary from track to track.

The production was handled by Mieszko Talarczyk (of Nasum!) and his very capable hands yielded an album that looks forward as much as it looks in reverse. That is to say the clarity in sound is superior to many Grind albums, particularly those of fifteen or more years ago, while still paying tribute to those forebears.

The last 50+ seconds of "Philosophy of the Elite" is a soundscape of war, mention of which is made for those of you who enjoy that kind of ambience. A crossover Death Metal vibe pokes its head through the bulk of the Grind here and there on the album ("Eternal Solitude Forbidden" comes to mind) along with bits of Crust.

The guttural vocals are accented with screaming and screeching, courtesy of two vocalists, to achieve the desired effect of obliteration. At five seconds short of five minutes, album closer "Hour of the Dog" must seem like an hour long in relation to the Crustiest of Grind songs. It very well may be the most memorable song from the album, however, invoking mood, dynamics, and riffs galore.

If you like Grind, if you like Death Metal, and especially if you like both, this is a band that you will rather enjoy -- if you are not already in the congregation of these purveyors of crunch from the Emerald Isle. Recommended.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 32.17