One of the finest and most inventive death metal bands out there. This is their fifth album and their first not to be part of their sprawling tetralogy about the four seasons. To signal a return to base values, they have made it self-titled, and whilst it is not on the face of it stripped down, it is certainly heavier and more strident than its predecessors. The songs are shorter and have a distinct feel of urgency about them.

The sax, one of their many USP’s is still there, but even it feels more grizzly and ferocious than before. They have certainly upped the ante and created an album that is immediate and intimidating. There are points for space and reflection, but they are squeezed and more isolated than on previous releases. Instead, this is a fast and frantic album that may veer off into experimental waters time to time, but keeps its eye firmly on the prize of being brutal and vital.

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