Lord Dying have truly upped the ante with their sophomore release, Poisoned Altars, taking everything that was good about their debut, Summon The Faithless, and improving upon it. The riffs are more creative and deadlier, the playing is more inspired, and they have developed as songwriters, delivering seven ragers in the span of 37 minutes. Additionally, the production by Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust makes sure everything come through very loud and clear. It adds an extra punch to the band’s attack.

The title track that opens album is a harbinger of sounds to come with its urgent mid-paced gallop, towering riffs, and the impassioned vocals of Erik Olson. “A Clearing At The End Of The Path” lurches forth with finesse and knuckle-dragging power, while “An Open Sore” starts off with a big, bashing beat and half-time riffs along with the gruff vocals of Olson. But it opens up a bit, with some melodic parts that feature the guest vocals of Aaron Beam from Red Fang. Not surprisingly, Grind lends his vocals to “Suckling At The Teat Of She Beast,” which is the most overt hardcore punk-influenced track on the album, with its quickened pace to go along with the massive riffs and a ripping solo. “Darkness Remains” closes out the album on an epic doom crawl.

Lord Dying have avoided the sophomore slump, by simply blowing it out of the water. They have a created a ripper of album, one that is powerful, passionate, and gets straight to the point.

(Relapse Records, PO Box 2060, Upper Darby, PA, 19082)