This is a pretty good time to be a black metal band from the United States. Many different bands are pushing the form into all types of directions while not diluting any of the music’s inherent power. In this band’s hometown of New York City, you have fellow bands like Black Anvil taking their craft to a new level, while Tombs uses black metal as a base for some interesting sonic explorations.

This band of miscreants plays it closer to the vest as their vicious take on black metal, also includes traces of doom, punk ,and some sleazy rock ‘n roll. Also, the band is nastier and more in your face than on their last record, Empyrean. This recording contains the right amount of snarl to let you know you know it means business. The bass from new member Ryan Jones is big and chest-caving, and the drums push this all over the edge. Jones also adds a feral roar which gives them another type of vocal attack. This one just goes for the throat from the moment it starts until the moment it ends.

They have taken their sound to another level. Some people may complain that is takes it a little too far away from the source, but don’t listen to them. Instead, just revel in their dark, brutal art.

(Prosthetic Records, 8713 Aviation Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301)