Suffice it to say the album rules, made all the more impactful by Tue Madsen's (yeah, that guy again) mixing and mastering. Sure, Himsa would have to be included in a list of Metalcore bands, but they are several steps ahead of their contemporaries--here's lookin' at Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, and Unearth, among others--on this, their Century Media debut. For starters, the brutality is higher. Unearth or Shadows Fall sound tame by comparison, and Killswitch Engage, well, they sound lame by comparison. Himsa is more akin to Lamb of God, particularly the vocal savagery, so perhaps it is little surprise that D. Randall Blythe himself is a fan of these sons of Seattle.

At its best, vintage Metallica (read: pre-1990) is invoked: see the intro of album opener "Reinventing the Noose" and the less frantic pace of "Den of Infamy." "Skinwalkers" is another standout track, made more momentous through its use of acoustic guitars as an induction to electronic execution. Perhaps Cataract would be an appropriate sonic comparison as Slayerisms abound in both. Bottom line: though not the most original thing to come down the pike seemingly vacated by The Haunted in recent years, Himsa's Summon in Thunder is a quality release worthy of the attention it receives. Perhaps the best of modern metal, Himsa successfully blends Thrash with Hardcore and Classic Metal. Their latest effort is simply crushing.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 45:46