What a nice package arrived today in my mailbox. This time it’s Japan’s BEREAVED who try to gain the Metalheads’ attention. “What The Wolf Brings” is their newest effort after having released a demo called “Reclaimed” in 2001. This five piece outfit from Yokohama, which was formed back in 2000, cruise in the waters of Death / Thrash with a touch of Black and forge these styles to a solid blend of steel. The Swedish scene had for sure a big impact and influence on these Japanese maniacs as they deliver a quite similar sound (which we all know from acts like Naglfar, Gates Of Ishtar, A Canorous Quintett, Dark Tranquillity and alikes). But this does not mean that they copy the style 100% as they just play in a more or less same direction. So you have a rough description what you have to expect here. As we are used with all bands from Japan the guitarists are accomplished, skilled and masters of their instruments. The same goes for Mori and Ken as both axemen throwing some cool riffs into the battle and technical competent. The vocal department is in the typical rough, blackish way as we know it from most of the bands of the NWOSDM . Tetsu is responsible for that and he does his job well… he don’t need to hide from other vocalists in the same genre. The overall sound is filled with melody but it never sounds cheesy as this warriors found the right balance between melody, heavyness and aggression. So enough Death / Thrash riffs can be found on this five tracker and the pace is mostly in the faster direction. It was produced by the band itself and I have to admit that they also did a great job here. Of course the sound is not perfect and some things could be done better next time (who can claim to be perfect?) but it kicks ass and makes alot of pressure (doublebass, blasts…)! Check out songs like ‘Avenger’, the little bit more thrashier ‘Yearning In Security’ or ‘The Mind’s Solitude’. It makes fun! This MCD is for sure worth a purchase for fans of Swedish style Death / Black / Thrash Metal and all headbangers out there who like to discover new and talented bands from all over the world. For prices and other infos please contact the band at www.bereaved.jp or bereaved820@hotmail.com.