Retro-death/thrash with an emphasis on death. Ho-hum. What with the likes of Indungeon, Aura Noir, Maze Of Torment blah blah blah all intent on recreating the days of Sodom, retro is fast becoming a trite trend to yours truly… but wait! What is this? A truly catchy riff transports you back to the days when metal was all about being blasphemous, indifferent and drunk (OK I wasn’t around then, but still).

Filled with unbelievably heartwarmingly nostalgic rifferama, catchy thrash licks and hooks, but tinged with a sort of unhinged madness and brutality of modern day Cannibal Corpse , is what Mortem is all about. A musical mixture effectively of early Scream Bloody Gore/ Leprosy Death references, Destruction, Morbid Angel (Abominations Of Desolation namely !!) Sarcofago INRI-isms, and enough modern-day bite to effectively confirm them as an IMPORTANT retro band, alongside Nifelheim, Gehennah and label mates Pentacle. Some reasonable production and fucking ‘80s style vocal lacerations hold the album together in the end, and The Devil Speaks In Tongues is yet another proud old-school and LISTENABLE album boys and girls, so pull that dough out of your leather pants and buy.

[9]

© 2000 equimanthorn