Indefatigable. That’s the only word I can think of to describe the morbid Dutchie vets of THANATOS. It was getting a little disconcerting, waiting over four years since 2004’s excellent “Undead Unholy Divine” (we were just a wee baby website when that one hit the shelves). But the marriage of THANATOS and a quality label like Deity Down seems like a brilliant combination, and without edging into fanboy territory, this disc delivers everything a thrash and death metal fan could want.

Stephan Gebedi’s creepy zombie-barking is raspier than ever, and his intricate back-and-forth riffing with Paul Baayans hasn’t dulled at all. Honestly, I don’t know what you’re doing messing around with this genre if the chugging suicide-machine-awaiting-the-hour-of-reprisal delights of “The Devil’s Triangle” or “March of the Infidels” doesn’t send a thrill up your leg. This band could make an accordion sound like a deadly instrument. Evidence of seasoned quality jumps out everywhere; they’re impossible to avoid. Just listen to the majestic, spicy intro to “The Netherworld” that plunges into thrashing chaos, only to slow deftly into a canvas for a sweeping, melodic guitar solo. Plus, they dug up an old DARK ANGEL cover and tacked it onto the end. You know what to do, people.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: www.thanatos.info

RELATED ITEMS: Mini-spotlight: THANATOS, 2005