MALTUKA is a new Thrash Metal band from Bergen, Norway and it is here with their debut EP, “Black Rite”, an EP that clearly reflcts the dark vision of the band and what they have come for. The band was formed by ex-members of PSYKOPATH. They’re based on the old roots, sound and days of Thrash Metal for sure, but still with a more modern vibe for me. I liked the fact that I was able to find influences from bands like DARK ANGEL, SLAYER, SODOM or TANKARD (among others) and I think that they were able to balance that classic dark energy with an ominous presence that definitely catched my attention. The EP opens with ‘Judgement’, an intro that immediately puts everything in context right from the beginning. Then we jump to ‘Blood Sacrifice’, which is kind of presenting the identity of the band. Now you know what to expect! I also liked Viljar Brunvoll’s savage vocal attack and I think it gives the EP the right agony, atmosphere and darkness needed to confer this EP its destiny. ‘Condemnation’ keeps the momentum going, raw and sinister as fuck, as those screams keep the hammer doing its job on your ears. I really loved that! Then comes ‘Xolotl’, a track that brings the god of fire and thunder to the EP and that shows more aggression and brutality. Finally, we have the title track ‘Black Rite’, a track that makes sense and that sounded very familiar at glance. If you hear how it starts, you’ll easily find that it sounds à la SLAYER, while moving into some Black Metal transitions and then turning back. I enjoyed the acoustic guitars to the end. “Black Rite” embraces the occult and the unknown and that darkness seeps into every moment of the EP. The cover artwork by Kim Diaz Holm only reinforces the sense of dread this release carries. At just under 18 minutes, it’s a short but vicious introduction to a band that I hope to keep on my radar. MALTUKA is just getting started, yes, but if this is any indication of what’s to come, I’d like to be there. Check them out! www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563413770301, www.facebook.com/hrrecords