This Earth, hailing from Australia rather than the perhaps expected Sweden (owing to Entombed’s Sunlight Sound being readily heard and enjoyed), play a brand of Death Metal that incorporates elements of Doom, particularly in the atmospheric keyboards that pepper the music. Ultra-guttural growls akin to Evoken or War Horse are mixed with some shouted/barked vocals to produce a combination that keeps things interesting.

This record loses points for an overall lack of originality, even though it makes for a decent listen. It’s just that many of these songs become monotonous midway through. I think that more keyboards would create more interest in the band’s sound and further differentiate them. Near the title track’s end a permutation of an Iron Maiden riff appears and you’ll know the one as soon as you hear it.

Fans of Entombed, Dismember, Grave, and Bolt Thrower (I know, they’re not Swedish) should find something to enjoy with the band of Lord Byron worshipping “Star Condemn’d” Metalheads from Oz. This is nothing new but sometimes you’d like to put on something comfortable and reminiscent of your ol’ favorites. You don’t? Well I do.

Bonus cut: Their uncredited/hidden cover of Black Sabbath's "Children of the Grave" is aggressive and fun. I added half a point for this song. Could there be more drumming? \m/

[Note: this album was recorded in 1999 but not released until 2004.]

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 44.32