In the longest studio draught of their 2+ decade history, the longstanding Polish death metallers have gone almost three years since “Impressions In Blood” (although there was the live “And Blood Was Shed In Warsaw” DVD and “XXV” re-recorded compilation in the interim). Comprised of eleven tracks, varying in length from the colossal 7:08 closer, ‘When The Sun Drowns In Dark’ to the sound effects laden spoken word ‘Summoning The Futura’ (1:07), there aren’t a lot of surprises, but how many bands that have been at it this long throw the fanbase a curveball?

‘The Seal’ is 2:02 of spacey, otherworldly music, with the occasional chant, ‘Rise Of The Undead’ sports an undeniable (hum inducing?) melody and in the chugging finale, there are moments of subtlety. While Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek’s voice is discernible, the frenetic guitar work sails around like a kite in a tornado: temporarily stable, but then without warning, wild undulations, as it rides a sudden updraft or perilous fall.

Overall, a more metered effort, giving the guitars a chance to shine, not being lost in cacophonous mire. The digi version will be augmented by a pair of cover tunes (Venom’s ‘Black Metal’ and ‘Fight Fire With Fire’ from Metallica) as well as a seven song, multi-camera DVD from the benefit show for Covan, Decapitated’s singer, which took place in Krakow on April 26th.