DESOLATE SHRINE are the figurative Finnish Death Metal superstars. I have to say, this is their best effort so far. Looks like they’ve stopped for a moment to get together and declare their purpose for the betterment of the Death Metal world. Okay, we have to get the obvious HM2 derivation out of the way and the best part about it is DESOLATE SHRINE don’t rely on the traditional HM2 treatment but rather use it to advance their message. The acoustic intro paves way into the first headbanger ‘Echoes In The Halls Of Vanity’ which rips through and through. It is interesting to note that DESOLATE SHRINE has 2 vocalists and one multi-instrumentalist. This is important because all the riffs you hear, all the progressions and the stellar drumming has come from the mind of one individual predominantly. Usually such an aspect brings in a lot of focus to the delivery and DESOLATE SHRINE are no different. The third track of the album ‘The Silent God’ is an absolutely amazing 10 minute smasher of a track which takes us through the highs and lows of Death Metal at ease. DESOLATE SHRINE have actually put forward a solid case to be in the contention for the album of the year. “Fires Of The Dying World” (remember the track ‘Embers Of The Dying World’?) is a solid slab of Death Metal that makes you sit up and notice. Recommended! More info at: www.facebook.com/desolateshrine, www.facebook.com/darkdescentrecords