Since the days of that infamous debut Ep through most of its various incarnations, I've remained a fan of Tom Angelripper's long running thrash (ie. proto-death) metal outfit. That said, the opening title track sounds closer to current Kreator than Sodom, especially the vitriolic, Mille Petrozza vocalizations. Never would have confused the two prior to this tune. Later there are decidedly Slayer moments ('Knarrenheinz'), an old school punky sensibility, even an acoustic intro (to the surprisingly melodic 'God Bless You'). Barked lyrics, snare battered to oblivion and short simple riffs punctuated by the occasional Bernemann solo, not much has changed over the years (except the parade of faces that have stood alongside the bassist, as anyone whose seen either part of the fabulous Lords Of Depravity DVDs can attest). Angelripper has made seemingly incongruous statements in the European press about this being the most diverse platter, yet wanting producer Waldemar Sorychta to recreate the old Sodom sound. Somehow, both are true!

Apart from the musical and production upgrades, the Alice In Chains styled intro of 'Through Toxic Veins' belies an otherwise violent number that could have appeared on any of their early 80s records. The final 2/3 of 'Feigned Death Throes' possesses more of a creeping sludge pace, before ending in a blaze of glory. More slamming old school delivery in the aforementioned 'Knarrenheinz', while the closing 'Styptic Parasite' has a similar groove to Motorhead.