The first release from Overt Hostility is one bloody cool piece of brutal death metal. Lasting just over ten minutes, it's not nearly enough, but on the other hand there's nothing but killer music for every North American style death metal freak. Well, at least for those 66 fortunate souls who can get this. Matti Liuke of Torture Killer is the man behind this.

'Inhuman Terror' begins fast with ripping riff and guitar squawk (a.k.a. "strangle" effect in vein of Cannibal Corpse's 1994 album 'The Bleeding') with beats varying from blast beat to double kick drum stuff. Soon the song gets on slower gear which brings more heaviness in and featuring a long, tortured guitar solo. 'Die by the Cross of Blood' is like a mix of Cannibal Corpse and Deicide. Very American in style, but also catchy as venereal disease in its mid-paced execution. 'Neurasthenia' is the fastest song on offer. Cool tempo changes and killer shred vein of aforementioned bands.

Mr. Liuke performs everything here, except opening tracks guitar solo. Eveything is professionally made. The guitar sound is well ripping and dirty, while blurry bass could be a tad more audible. Drums are programmed, but I didn't notice it for quite some time. Good programming with death metal sounds (especially tight snare) utilized. Killer (I mean as person) speech samples are used between the songs.

This is 3" CD and comes with red/black covers including lyrics (about killing, in short). So if death metal in the North American way is your stuff, catch this while you can. Hopefully this gets continuation in near future.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
07/14/2004 13:03