AZARATH’s appropriately titled disc 2003 disc, “Infernal Blasting”, is one of my favorite discs so I’d expect nothing less than pure, brutal Death Metal on “Praise The Beast”, their newest release. After the obligatory sound effects-laden intro, the band blasts off (ha ha) through 40 minutes of blast beat inflicted brutal Death Metal. Everything you want is here: tons of double bass drums, guttural death vocals with the occasional Black Metal rasp, lyrical odes to Satan, fast lead and rhythm guitars, and even great sounding production. For those of you new to AZARATH, you’ll be pleased to be informed that they’re made up of members from the mighty BEHEMOTH, the underrated DAMNATION, and one of my favorites, YATTERING. Those expecting something groundbreaking may be disappointed but AZARATH’s members have managed to bring all the best sounds and ideas together from their previous/full time bands to make one excellent, satisfying album. www.myspace.com/azarath666, www.deathgasm.com.