IRREVERENCE is a Death / Thrash Metal band from Italy that was formed in 1995 and this is their latest album. And what it shows is a very effective band that mixes an old school aggressive feel with a lot of musical experimentation, without compromising their metallic qualities or the heaviness of the music. These flights of musical exploration set them apart from typical Death / Thrash bands, but they are firmly rooted in old Metal references, with few moments of any "modern" skids. There is a lot of variation in the song structures, a lot of work that shows, with plenty of tempo changes and riffs crammed into the songs. Sometimes they can even be surprisingly melodic, such as in the title track with its unexpected changes, but what shines through is the speed and heaviness. The production is excellent, the drumming is nothing short of phenomenal, the string instruments are busy and taken care of with precision and dexterity. I love the vocals, which are caustic and very good. There is a lot to hear. A lot of intricate stuff in these hectic structures delivered with first-rate performance. ‘Stylized Social Realism’ is more ambiance-driven and monotone, but then it changes. Suddenly you can get a Gothenburg Death Metal moment, or as in ‘Groomed Wall Skip’ you can hear what seems to be Crossover Death Metal. Then it changes. You then get some technical Death Metal before returning to the almost Punk feel. An imposing album that is recommended if you like Death / Thrash made by people who can play and are willing to go places without straying from their extreme Metal essence. If your curiosity is aroused go to www.facebook.com/irreverenceband, www.stf-records.de