I will admit not knowing what to think upon seeing the cover for this, the latest release from FRANTIC AGGRESSOR. Also, I experienced a bit of trepidation, because they are a completely new band to me, so gazing across the cover art and the logo, would it be a blackened Thrash assault? A more nationalistic form of Black Metal? Even a militant Industrial Metal say, similar to HANZEL UND GRETYL? All this and more crossed my mind. What we do have here though is definitely Black Metal, much like the MARDUK era, when “Legion” was at the helm and also a big helping of SVARTJERN. While everything for the most part has that MARDUK speed, there is a Black’n’Roll element which adds a touch of flavor and also makes the overall songwriting that much more of an attention grabber. There are times when riffing segments lead to a HORNED ALMIGHTY aspect at times. I feel all these sounds lead to an overall pleasing experience. I found myself at different times getting into little air guitar moments and / or brief bouts of headbanging, so this in itself caught me by surprise, after not knowing what to expect. Another point is the slightly colder production, which really allows the guitar to slice through in typical buzzsaw fashion, but also to have enough warmth in the overall to allow for the guitar to have some heft during the more Thrash like moments. Plus if you really do listen, you can hear the bass rolling around in the background. The vocals are the standard Black Metal rasp, which do not detract at all. They offer enough of the vitriol in delivery that we all know and love. I also found the lyrical approach to the band and its presentation to be of interest. To quote the band, “Each song deals with a different theme of human existence and its disappearance, be it aspects of history, religion, philosophy, technology, or the universe around us.” I’m not saying this hasn’t been done before, but seeing the song titles laid out as they are was a bit of a refreshing change from the usual fare as of late. Nothing here is going to set the world on fire, but I will admit to coming out of this foray with a positive feeling. Take the time and see for yourselves. www.facebook.com/frantic-aggressor-1607566522845825, www.facebook.com/folterrecordsgermany